Pebble Time

My new Pebble Time arrived June 22nd as I supported the KickStarter program for development and production of this new watch, and after a couple days to acclimate and play with its new look and functions I have documented what I found here.

Box with charging USB cable and PebbleTime.

Flat ribbon charging cable.

PebbleTime is charging as the cable attaches

very securely to the back.

Once charged the update quickly installs.

The App Listing

Once the cup is full the charge is complete.

After receiving and placing the watch on charge I was able to pair it with my phone with little problem. I left my original Pebble app and watch paired and focused on the new Pebble Time app to function with the new watch.  Once connected the watch was updated and to my surprise all the original Pebble apps were installed.  I then left it to finish charging to 100%.  This did not take long and it was then that I focused on watch faces and apps I really wanted to use with the new Pebble.  This was a process that took time over the next day or so.

GadgetWrap skin installed on the bezel.

An indoors shot showing the Trek V3 watchface.

An email message came in as I began taking outdoor

pictures. 

Trek V3 looks even better outside in the sun.

 

Long Shadow watchface.

 

AllnOne watch app.

91DubV3

As I settle in on my favorite faces and apps I also installed my Gadgetwraps skin and Slickwraps button covers.  Neither company shipped the clear screen protector with the orders, but I did not expect one from Gadgetwraps since they are sold separately.  Slickwraps apparently does not sell them or include them at all, but I am trying to get a clarification from them. [Update: screen protectors should have been included and SlickWraps is shipping them].  I also decided to install a black watchband with a quick clasp like I have been using on the Pebble.  I used new pins since the Pebble Time comes with easy pin releases that are difficult to remove and my bands are not made for their use anyway.  In adding the new look I also adjusted the watch face colors to match.

The new apps like AllnOne, 91Dubv3.0, TrekV3, and WW-Weather Watch have good information.  Canvas for Pebble is not supported yet, however.  Apps like Facebook Messenger and MapMyRun will automatically work if check marked under Notifications in the Pebble Time app. One note of caution is to install the Pebble Time app AFTER you have the watch running and it asks you to do the installation.  Otherwise some apps like Messenger and MapMyRun may not function. There are so many good watch faces that since there is no limitation you can accumulate a healthy list of apps.  Using your phone you can position the favorites close to the top so little or no scrolling is necessary on the watch under Watchfaces, which is the fourth item after pressing the center button.  Then come the installed apps which can also be arranged using your phone PebbleTime app.

One thing, and it is a small but noticeable thing, is that when notifications come in at night in an unlit environment the back light turns off about a second before you have time to read all of most notifications.  This was also true on the Pebble, but the PebbleTime with color has less contrast and is a little more challenging for some watch face color schemes unless adjusted to high contrast. A nice feature of some apps is that you can flick your wrist to a secondary color scheme that is more readable. Already some programmers have provided a work around to allow the light to stay on longer, too, but hopefully this will be addressed by Pebble with that extra second forthcoming.

Using the voice response feature is a huge plus for Pebble Time.  You can respond to text and messenger messages by voice and the accuracy of the text response is excellent.  Your text translation will show on screen for approval before you send it, too.  This convenience is especially handy and quick.  There are still other options available for responses, like the preset five response list you can create, along with emoji responses, or being able to defer to the phone for the response.  You cannot respond to email at this time.  And you cannot record notes, etc., but apps are coming to utilize these voice input.

There is always an adaptation period for every new product and while some things will come naturally there are other points that are undocumented.  Documentation is not provided with the Pebble at this point so there is some trial and error.  One such undocumented point is that while the Time Line shows the past with the Up button and future with the Down button what you find is that once doing so you can press the center button to see the current weather, and then the down button for the forecast.  Also, as mentioned you can rearrange Watchfaces and Apps using the PebbleTime app when you press and hold an icon and then drag it to the position you desire it placed.  I am sure there will be more tips and tricks forthcoming, too.  As these come to light I will add them to the article as I update it.

I continue to use the original Pebble received at Christmas 2014.  I have changed the skin and watchband on it recently, as well. It is my work watch which I wear outside and while working and exercising daily.  It works well with MapMyRun and even though I know my routes and distances walking outside it is nice to be able to alter and keep easy track of distances just with a glance.  I seldom have to dig out my phone as I change music tracts and monitor messages and emails.  We are truly finally able to live with electronic convenience without digging into our pockets every five minutes or staring at a screen while surrounded by company, friends, or relatives.  And this is just the beginning.

Brown easy clasp watchband from Ebay.

 

A SlickWrap skin on my original Pebble showing

the Canvas app with one of my fav screens.

 

Some might wonder why two Pebble watches.  As mentioned the original Pebble was inexpensive and is able to stand up to sweat and endure labor conditions.  The PebbleTime also can hold up to extremes but is nicer and a watch I want to look nice - it is a nicer looking watch - and not get scarred or messed up.  But the PebbleTime will take advantage of newer technology that can advance it further and keep it functional much longer as a viable smartwatch.  Besides having a microphone it has an improved operating system, too, that is more capable.  This without sacrificing the week between charges needed to keep it functioning.  So I hope to see improvements along with watch bands that add additional functionality.  I also like the idea of being one of the first to own these new watches that are being highly reviewed for providing just what we need for this point in history.  Not overkill, but a truly useful watch so we are not digging out a cell phone to see what time it is.  We are supplementing the cell phone in a way that enhances, but does not replace it. No watch is going to replace a cell phone for many years to come.

I started a twitter feed, @PebbleUsers, to provide links to articles and tips, pictures, and news for Pebble Users.  I also have a Google+ Pebble Users page, and a FaceBook Pebble Users page.  I do this for fun and to have a place to accumulate information.  But there is no doubt that I am a supporter and look forward to an exciting time anticipating the future of this company and products.

Product information and PreOrders through BestBuy.