Pebble Time Smartwatches Gain Ability to Send iOS Texts on AT&T

[0098386]

Basically for green bubbles only. Does anyone even use SMS these days?

Yes, when my data signal drops or if I'm texting a number that goes to an Android, Microsoft, or Blackberry phone.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone even wearing these watches

When the original Pebble launched Stephen Fry was wearing one whilst filming QI. I currently know more people with Pebbles (2) than Apple watches (1), but then again I seem to know more with BabyG/G-Shocks (15!).

 

[G4scott]

I wish they were able to add it to the original and Steel Pebbles, as I wear an OG everyday. I love it for it's always on screen and ruggedness. I never have to worry about it like I would with an Apple Watch. Plus, I got it $60 new back in the spring.

I really wish Apple would open up a bit. As useful as the Pebble is with an iPhone, it was 10x as much with the Fire Phone (android) I used for the month interim between selling my 5s and getting my 6s. It synced perfectly every time and the little pre-canned responses for texts was a nice feature.

The Pebble has sold me on smart watches and I will probably get an Apple Watch after the 2nd or 3rd revision.

A rare sight indeed, Fire Phone and Pebble user

Joking aside, Apple needs to open up APIs to developers to make other smartwatches more functional on iOS. My Pebble Time worked just fine with my Android device, no issues at all, but switching to an iPhone really showed how closed of a system Apple has. If I wanted an iOS device for my wrist and to be $400 in the hole, I'd get an Apple Watch, but all I need is something that can go for days on a charge, show me notifications and reminders, and also show the time. Being less than $200 also helps.

By building these walled gardens, Apple is going to make sure that you get the best watch they want to make, not the best watch the industry can make.

 

[h4ck]

"i've never sent a text worthy of encryption" and you've never said anything of value, so you shouldn't be allowed the freedom of speech either?

the "valid reason" is that its your right. just because you can't understand that doesn't mean you shouldn't have it.

"Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say,"

I've never sent a text worthy of encryption so, meh. Besides, if I thought that way I'd rarely ever send a text. Most people I know have more important things to worry about besides whether their texts are encrypted. But good for you. It's nice to have if that's your concern.



I'm going out on a limb to say the vast, vast majority of people don't have a valid reason, or actually care for that matter. For those who do, it's good to have that option.

 

[69Mustang]

"i've never sent a text worthy of encryption" and you've never said anything of value, so you shouldn't be allowed the freedom of speech either?

the "valid reason" is that its your right. just because you can't understand that doesn't mean you shouldn't have it.

"Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say,"

Apologies, I have no idea what you're talking about. I clearly said the encryption is nice to have if that's your concern and repeated it by saying it's a good option for those who require it. Not sure how you came to believe I have a lack of understanding. Nothing in my quote would indicate that. Nor was there anything in my quote about not caring about the right to privacy.

 

[expertmagician]

So much effort to simply send a message. Just pull your phone out of your pocket for 8 seconds.

Why bother?

I love my iPhone 6 Plus. But, this Voice to text feature on pebble is GREAT !
I Pebble vibrates and rather than reach for my phone, I press a button and talk to my watch. It translates to text and I press transmit without reaching for my phone

Bad news is that my reply is not reflected on my iPhone. But, when texting a close friend, wife or kids, I don't need history.

Good news is that the transmission of the text is significantly faster than if I text on my iPhone manually.

Advantage...easier to feel my watch vibrate than feel my phone or hear my phone in my pocket. Fast and accurate reply. Even works in relatively noisy environments or with my car radio on.

 

[kdarling]

Their post was not judgmental at all. They are referring to the decline of SMS as users trend towards data-based messaging.

I think it's the opposite.

Data based messaging made more sense when we had unlimited data, and SMS cost a lot.

Nowadays, it's common to have unlimited SMS, while the data is limited and expensive.