Pebble Smart Watch Adds Support for All iOS 7 Notifications, New Developer SDK and APIs

[MacRumors]

Pebble today announced a significant update to its smart watch that allows any Notification Center alert to be pushed directly to the watch, a big improvement from the prior version which only allowed some notifications like calls and text messages to be sent.

Now, any iOS 7 notification -- whether from Facebook, Google Maps, Calendar or any other app -- will appear directly on the Pebble Smart Watch. The company also announced the next major version of the Pebble SDK for developers, including new APIs for Javascript, the accelerometer, data logging and persistent storage.

A new Pebble app for iOS will enable this functionality and is currently under review by Apple. Expect an update on the iTunes Store soon. Pebble is streaming the announcement live at 10AM Pacific so developers can see the latest updates.

First, we're introducing a delightful user experience for Pebble customers using iOS. Pebble is now fully integrated with iOS 7 and works seamlessly with Notification Center. This means that any notifications that you've enabled in Notification Center on your iOS 7 device will appear on your Pebble -- just like that. It's easier than ever to pick and choose which updates you want to see on your watch. This includes notifications beyond calls, texts and emails, such as Calendar, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, Dropbox, WhatsApp, Flipboard and more.

Second, we're launching Pebble SDK 2.0, which makes it even easier for developers to build awesome Pebble apps. SDK 2.0 opens up an entire universe of rich new watch apps thanks to four new APIs: Javascript, Accelerometer, Data Logging and Persistent Storage. These API allow developers to make Pebble apps that interface directly with the web (real-time weather, transit info, location check-in), access the accelerometer (health/fitness monitoring and gesture-based remote control), log data when disconnected from the phone (health/fitness tracking), and store info on the watch (high scores for games, settings).

The Pebble raised more than $10 million on Kickstarter, potentially proving the viability of the smart watch as a product. Apple is widely rumored to be working on its own iWatch and recently invested hundreds of millions of dollars in a new Arizona factory to make sapphire glass, perhaps for such a product.

Pebble says it has native apps from Foursquare, GoPro and Yelp on the way, with more to come. The Pebble smart watch is available for $150 in five colors from getpebble.com and at Best Buy and AT&T retail stores.

Article Link: Pebble Smart Watch Adds Support for All iOS 7 Notifications, New Developer SDK and APIs

 

[Nomax2000]

I think, you are to early.

 

[chrisrodney]

Almost makes a Pebble worthwhile...

 

[spiderman0616]

cool, but I think I'd rather just look at notifications on the retina display.

 

[staveb]

Who knows when it will come out, but I'm waiting for the official Apple iWatch. That said, because of owning an iPhone, I haven't worn a watch for years now and enjoy having my wrist nude!

 

[mrgraff]

The first iPhone and watch combo shows 4:56 on the phone and 8:42 on the watch. Then the notifications are activated, and the watch suddenly says 10:00.

I get that the rest of the watches shown are a montage of sample notifications, but I think they really messed up the intro.

 

[bbeagle]

cool, but I think I'd rather just look at notifications on the retina display.

When you're skiing? It'll be awesome on the slopes when I can glance at my watch for text messages my friends send from the lodge to meet up.

There are many situations (skiing, jogging, hiking, rowing a boat, in a noisy concert) where your phone is in your pocket and you can't get to it easily (or hear the vibrations) and seeing notifications on your wrist is so much easier.

 

[MozMan68]

...but it still looks the way it looks.

Counting on Apple to have all of this and some serious style as well.

 

[xraytech]

DAMMIT!!! And my Wrist Watch Tan Line finally faded away.

 

[jmh600cbr]

2 questions

1) is this worth buying? the iwatch rumors seem endless and i will want one, but is it far enough away to be worth shelling out $150 today?

2) is this a software update announcement or hardware? if i do buy it, i want the newest hardware available. i find this article confusing.

 

[brueck]

Could those pixels BE any bigger?

 

[mysticbluebmw]

Subjective as it may be, that's one fugly watch.

 

[TimothyB]

(edit: I should check if it is or note, assumed it isn't due to viewing angle complaints). And a I see several complaints about quality issues on Best Buy, sometimes viewing angles and contrast too. One guy's screen started to mess up like it was leaking inside and Best Buy refused to allow the return by claiming he damaged it. I think I'd rather wait to see what comes next from others or Apple. Then again, wearing this could really reduce the change of dropping your phone from having to remove it from your pocket all the time.

It would be great if Apple could combine those fitness wrist bands with basic notifications for something more sleek and affordable. I don't need advance features.

 

[Hustler1337]

I don't really understand the concept of an 'iWatch' or similar device. Is it really that bothering to pull your phone out of your pocket? How much extra time will it save?

For those who say that it'll come in handy for skiing, jogging, hiking, rowing a boat etc, I don't think the majority of iOS users participate in such activities frequently enough to warrant buying an iWatch-type device. Seriously, how many times have you been skiing this year, or even your lifetime? For running/jogging, I think the iPhone 5S' M7 co-processor is sufficient enough to handle such things. Would be interested to hear what other useful purpose an iWatch would serve.

 

[Taz Mangus]

Subjective as it may be, that's one fugly watch.

I was just thinking the same thing. The color choices not improve the looks much. Why can't someone make a product like this that does not look like a throw away toy.

 

[AppleMark]

I don't really understand the concept of an 'iWatch' or similar device.

Here we go again.....

Same familiar sentence only the 'iWatch' has changed. You could insert any of the following words from past threads such as 'iPhone', 'iPad', 'iPad mini'....

They were all doomed to failure were they not?

 

[musika]

I bet there are a lot of people who would love this. It's pretty damn cool that the top player in this category (for now) is a small crowd-funded indie company. It certainly makes for a great story.

Having said that, the Pebble hardware still looks like a monstrosity that nobody should have to deal with the horror of having something so disgusting on their wrists. That was a little harsh, I guess. But it really could look so much better, you know?

Oh well... At least it doesn't look like the flower power iMac.

 

[TimothyB]

I don't really understand the concept of an 'iWatch' or similar device. Is it really that bothering to pull your phone out of your pocket? How much extra time will it save?

For those who say that it'll come in handy for skiing, jogging, hiking, rowing a boat etc, I don't think the majority of iOS users participate in such activities frequently enough to warrant buying an iWatch-type device. Seriously, how many times have you been skiing this year, or even your lifetime? For running/jogging, I think the iPhone 5S' M7 co-processor is sufficient enough to handle such things. Would be interested to hear what other useful purpose an iWatch would serve.

It might come in handy during shopping and other outings, especially with your hands full, such as when eating. Also, having to pull the phone out and put away to find out if it's been that email you were waiting for increases the risk of dropping it. Plus there's the risk of taking it out in areas that might make you a target to a thief. Then there are times you might have your phone at your desk, charging somewhere, and depending on range, you won't miss something important.

No matter the benefits, I suppose it comes down to $150 being worth it. Right now, that's on the verge of telling myself I don't need it.

Also, using the phone these days, even to check something quick, can seem anti social to those around you. Then again, constantly looking at your wrist on this device might be misconstrued as you checking the time like you don't care to be there.

 

[shadow puppet]

There are many situations (skiing, jogging, hiking, rowing a boat, in a noisy concert) where your phone is in your pocket and you can't get to it easily (or hear the vibrations) and seeing notifications on your wrist is so much easier.

Point taken but for me, when I'm enjoying the great outdoors, I prefer to leave my electronic devices at home or in my backpack (for when needed). I spend enough time on the computer, et al, that sometimes it's nice to take a break, re-charge & enjoy some zen time. Obviously YMMV. Heck, I've been a clockwatcher all my life and in this past year, I surprised myself by no longer wearing a watch. When I want to see what time it is, I check my iPhone.

 

[Treq]

I'm assuming this is ios 7 only. That kinda sucks. I like ios 6 so much better than ios 7.

 

[foobarbaz]

What do they mean? Every notification? What API are they using??

 

[ocabj]

I would get a Pebble, but I just got this last week, instead.

 

[Xerotech]

Interesting, Pebble sure has made a name for itself!

 

[TimothyB]

I bet there are a lot of people who would love this. It's pretty damn cool that the top player in this category (for now) is a small crowd-funded indie company. It certainly makes for a great story.

Having said that, the Pebble hardware still looks like a monstrosity that nobody should have to deal with the horror of having something so disgusting on their wrists. That was a little harsh, I guess. But it really could look so much better, you know?

Oh well... At least it doesn't look like the flower power iMac.

Yeah, and from real world photos, it looks too much like a cheap plastic watch, depending on color, a toy, and doesn't look very durable. But I guess I can't blame them, they at least got this far and depending on success, a jumping point to a better version. I'll have to see one in person to be sure.

 

[DrivinWest]

There are many situations (skiing, jogging, hiking, rowing a boat, in a noisy concert) where your phone is in your pocket and you can't get to it easily (or hear the vibrations) and seeing notifications on your wrist is so much easier.

This. The ability to see what's inbound with a flick of the risk is enormously useful in meetings, while driving, while doing sports, etc.

Subjective as it may be, that's one fugly watch.

It's not pretty, but it has a geek/retro-futuristic appeal to it. I've stopped wearing my Tag Heuer Carrera and have worn my Pebble instead. I'm sure the iWatch will be prettier, but it doesn't exist today! I also doubt that I'll wear my iWatch while doing anything remotely active or in/near water. I don't think twice about waching the dishes, bathing the baby, etc. with the Pebble on as it's waterproof (to 5 atmospheres!).

1) is this worth buying? the iwatch rumors seem endless and i will want one, but is it far enough away to be worth shelling out $150 today?

2) is this a software update announcement or hardware? if i do buy it, i want the newest hardware available. i find this article confusing.

Software. Is it worth buying? I have one, and if I lost it I'd buy another. This update should rectify the issues that iOS users have had. Android lover seem to rave about their Pebbles while our experience has been mediorce - until next week.