Pebble's revived Time 2 smartwatch brings back 2010s nostalgia with modern hardware
CNET's Scott Stein tested the new $225 Pebble Time 2, part of Pebble's relaunch that also includes an upcoming round model. The watch keeps the classic buttons and retro look but adds a touchscreen, color backlit display, heart-rate sensor, and access to a huge library of free legacy Pebble apps and watch faces via a redesigned companion app.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Pebble's return signals renewed interest in simple, battery-efficient smartwatches at a time when many wearables have become bloated with features and short battery life. Its success could validate a niche market for minimalist, customizable devices distinct from Apple Watch or Wear OS ecosystems.
- Pebble Time 2 costs $225 and blends retro design with modern touches like touchscreen and heart-rate tracking.
- Users can access a vast library of free classic Pebble watch faces and apps, including fan-made ones referencing pop culture.
- A new, streamlined mobile app makes setup and syncing much easier than the original Pebble experience.
Pebble Time 2 Smartwatch — This is the watch at the heart of the story: a revived Pebble with a backlit color e-paper-style screen, physical buttons, a touchscreen, and heart-rate tracking. It's a retro-feeling smartwatch that brings back the simple, long-lasting vibe of 2010s wearables without the modern notification overload.
See Pebble Time 2 Smartwatch on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Scott Stein, 2026-08-28
Published there as: “I Started Wearing a Pebble Watch Again: Time 2 Took Me Back to the 2010s in the Best Way”
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