Last year this time, people were blown away by the quirky looking e-paper watch, Pebble, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Pebble then managed to raise more than a record-breaking US$10-million via crowdfunding on Kickstarter. It was all about functionality, and it worked. At CES 2014 however, the company focused more on the style and build quality of its product as it launched the new Pebble Steel together with a dedicated app store.
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The Pebble Steel, as you can see in the picture, is a lot prettier and sophisticated than the older, original model. According to Pebble Technology, the premium factor is enhanced by the CNC-machined stainless steel with four tactile buttons on the one side.
The company boasts that the bold and beautiful Pebble Steel is everything users know and love about Pebble — clear e-paper display, a week-long battery life, and waterproof design – all packed into a slimmer, classic form factor. So it has the same 144×168 black and white e-paper display with bluetooth and three axis accelerometer fitted in a steel bodice and a leather strap.
Some notable changes though are the fact that the Steel’s body is still smaller but heavier than its predecessor. It’s RAM has also been increased from 4MB to 8MB (it doesn’t need a lot of RAM, it’s driving a simple display).
In an attempt to obviously target a more fashionable crowd, there’s also an option between brushed stainless or black matte steel. The new Gorilla Glass display is said to have a welcome anti-fingerprint coating.
Pebble Technology has also announced its new app store as well as partners such as Pandora, ESPN, and Mercedes-Benz who also demoed new dedicated apps with many more to come.
Image via GigaOM
