- Pebble Time Offers Greatly Expanded Features and Functions
- Access Information Faster and More Efficiently Using Timeline
- Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel Run Many Third-Party Apps
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Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel Run Many Third-Party Apps
Pebble has already begun working with well-known companies to develop innovative ways this smart watch can be integrated into someone’s everyday life, beyond just being a fitness tool. Partners include: GoPro, RunKeeper, ESPN, Evernote, iHeart Radio, The Weather Channel, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, PayPal, and Yelp!, for example.
Thus, the Pebble Time will be able to stream music, gather voice dictated notes information, display timely sports and weather-related information, help to quickly find local businesses or restaurants, or allow for online or retail payments to be made via the watch (using PayPal).
In addition to all of the new apps being developed that will make full use of the color screen and new technologies built into Pebble Time, the more than 6,500 third-party apps designed for the original Pebble smart watch will function flawlessly on this second-generation watch.
One feature that app developers and users alike are excited about is the watch’s built in microphone. At launch, wearers will not be able to control Siri on their iPhone nor Google Now on their Android smartphone, but will be able to interact with a wide range of watch and smartphone apps using their voice. It’s expected that voice support will expand in the weeks and months after the Pebble Time watch initially launches.
While some people consider the original Pebble smart watch, as well as other competing smart watches introduced in recent years, to be little more than high-tech gadgets that didn’t do much to enhance someone’s organization, productivity or ability to access information, this is all changing with Pebble Time and the introduction of Apple Watch.
Because Pebble is aggressively working with high-profile app development partners, Pebble Time will soon be able to handle a wide range of tasks that make it easier and more convenient to interact with the smartphone apps you already use, without having to physically handle the smartphone, thanks to the wireless Bluetooth connection that the watch and smartphone will maintain.
So, yes, Pebble’s smart watch has gotten smarter, more versatile, more powerful, more comfortable to wear, and easier to view in any lighting situation. The week-long battery life, and the built in microphone (when used in conjunction with various apps), will help simplify your life and make interacting with the watch and mobile phone apps more intuitive.
Keep in mind, one big differentiator between Apple Watch and Pebble Time (and Pebble Time Steel) is that Apple’s smart watch features a full-color, touch screen display, while the Pebble Time watches have a full-color display that is not touch sensitive. Interaction with the Pebble Time watches in done via the buttons located on the right and left side of the housing.
Final Thoughts...
If you think a smart watch could make you more efficient, better organized, or allow you to utilize your smartphone in a more productive way, but you’re not ready to invest a minimum of $349.00 in an Apple Watch, the Pebble Time offers a viable smart watch alternative at a significantly lower price.
What you’ll discover is that Pebble Time is much more than a feature-packed fitness watch that can help count your steps and how many calories you’ve burned during a workout. Even if your life isn’t fitness focused, you’ll quickly discover apps that will allow this watch to fit nicely into your everyday life, providing you with information and content you want or need on your wrist, while allowing you to interact remotely with your smartphone, and respond to text messages, for example, using your voice.
Pre-orders and the opportunity to financially back Pebble Time’s crowd funding campaign via Kickstarter.com ended in late March. Online orders for the watch can now be placed through the company’s website (http://www.getpebble.com). It's also available from retailers, including Best Buy and Target.
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Jason R. Rich (http://www.JasonRich.com) is an avid iPhone and iPad user, and is the bestselling author of more than 55 books, including: iPad and iPhone Tips and Tricks: 4th Edition (Que), iPad and iPhone Photography Tips and Tricks (Que), My GoPro Hero Camera (Que), My Digital Photography for Seniors (Que), and Your iPad At Work: 4th Edition (Que). He’s also a frequent contributor to numerous national magazines, major daily newspapers and popular websites. You can follow him on Twitter (@JasonRich7) or Instagram (JasonRich7).