The return of the Pebble smartwatch has sparked a wave of excitement, especially for those who yearn for a simpler, less intrusive wearable experience. In a world where technology often feels like an overwhelming extension of ourselves, Pebble's new circular smartwatches offer a refreshing take on connectivity.
A Smartwatch for the Anti-Cyborg
Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the original Pebble and its new incarnation, Core Devices, has crafted a range of products that cater to those who want a smartwatch without feeling like a cyborg. With two upcoming circular smartwatches, Pebble aims to strike a balance between functionality and a more natural, button-based interaction.
The Pebble Round 2: A Nostalgic Twist
At CES 2026, we got our hands on the Pebble Round 2, and it's a delight. With its four physical buttons, it's a throwback to a time when smartwatches were more about simplicity and less about screen dominance. Migicovsky himself admits to loving the older Pebble Time Round, but with a larger bezel and a smaller screen, the Round 2 improves on its predecessor.
The size is just right, offering a comfortable fit with either a 20mm or 14mm watch band. While it lacks some features of the upcoming Pebble Time 2, such as a speaker and heart rate tracking, the Round 2 promises a longer battery life of two weeks, which is a significant upgrade from most smartwatches.
But Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
Enter the Index 01, a smart ring that's as intriguing as it is controversial. It's a voice recorder disguised as a ring, offering an 'external memory' for your brain, as Migicovsky puts it. The idea is to capture thoughts and ideas on the go, without the need for a phone or a two-handed operation.
However, the Index 01 has a limited lifespan due to its non-rechargeable battery. Migicovsky defends this design choice, arguing that a rechargeable battery would make the ring more expensive. The ring offers basic transcription and can record 'a couple of minutes' of audio at a time, which is then uploaded to your phone via Bluetooth.
The Pebble Philosophy
Pebble's approach is a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by AI-driven health tracking. Migicovsky's vision is clear: create straightforward, fun devices that don't take themselves too seriously. With the Index 01, Pebble offers a unique, if somewhat flawed, solution for capturing thoughts and ideas.
So, is the Index 01 worth its $100 price tag? That's a question we'll explore in our full review. For now, Pebble's new devices are a welcome reminder that simplicity and functionality can coexist in the world of wearables.
