Pebble E-Paper smartwatch raises $100K in first two hours
updated 08:15 pm EDT, Wed April 11, 2012
Pebble smartwatch gets huge boost on Kickstarter
The latest crowd-sourced funding phenomenon to come out of Kickstarter.com has raised $100 thousand in the first two hours after being listed on the crowd-sourcing website. The Pebble E-Paper smartwatch will offer users of both iPhones and Android devices smartwatch capabilities when paired over Bluetooth. Users will be able to receive incoming alerts that can be delivered audibly or through a silent vibration function.
When finished, the device will allow users to further customize their Pebble by installing and configuring apps. Functions enabled by apps include using the Pebble to monitor a user’s speed, distance and pace data when running or riding a bicycle. Golfers will be able to use Pebble as a range finder by tying it to Freecaddie. The ARM-powered device can function for up to 7 days between recharging.
Users can also choose from multiple watch interfaces as well as set/disable notifications for a range of incoming alerts including incoming caller ID, email, calendar alerts, Twitter, and Weather. The Pebble will come in four colors including Arctic White, Jet Black and Cherry Red. The fourth color will be crowd-sourced through contributor voting.
One Pebble starts from $99, with various other options available for funding contributors depending on the level of their contribution. The company has already raised over $400,000 in user contributions, which will help to pay for production tooling, large component orders and global Bluetooth certification. The Pebble is estimated to ship in September.
