Pebble Round 2 Marks Return of a Classic Smartwatch, Refined and Ready

Pebble fans can finally catch their breath now that the wait is over. It’s official…the Round 2, a brand-new version of their beloved circular smartwatch that debuted in 2015. This redesigned model retains the distinctive slim, elegant shape while, more crucially, addressing all of the flaws that let the original down.

The Round 2 is only 8.1 millimeters thick, a fraction more than the original, which held the record for slimness. You can choose a stainless steel case in matte black, brushed silver, or polished rose gold. Each version includes a variety of quick-release bands, with silicone included in the price and leather available for an additional fee, making swapping straps a one-second task. You’ll also notice that the circular face now occupies a significant portion of the front. This is because the bezel has been significantly reduced in size.

That display does make a significant difference. You get a 1.3-inch color e-paper screen that runs from edge to edge, with a resolution of 260 by 260 pixels, so letters and graphics are extremely clear. Even in direct sunshine, it looks beautiful because of the way e-paper naturally reflects light. No, it doesn’t consume the battery either. When it becomes dark, a backlight comes on to prevent the power bank from running out of juice.

The new Round 2 shines brightest in terms of battery life. You can expect 7 to 14 days on a single charge, which is a significant improvement over the original, which would only last two days. The secret is that Pebble has stuck to e-paper and the essentials – no fancy additions, no battery guzzlers.

On the daily features front, you receive notifications for calls, messages, and apps, so you never miss a beat. You can even talk to Siri or Google using voice commands on Android smartphones, and iOS compatibility is on the way soon. Those side buttons are also really handy; you can use them to control music, silence calls, and navigate the menu without having to fuss with the screen. Of course, the accelerometer and magnetometer measure your steps and sleep automatically.

The software is driven by the old familiar Pebble OS, which is still in use, and thousands of watch faces and apps are still available from the old store. You may need to perform some upgrading for the new layout, however. AI assistants are also available for any quick questions you may have; no need to even touch the device. That’s not all, Pebble made an intentional decision to keep things simple. There are no fancy features like a heart rate sensor or GPS, so this is a watch designed for keeping up with the fundamentals rather than running a marathon.

Finally, it’s priced at $199, and preorders are currently open here. Deliveries begin in May, giving you plenty of time to join in on the fun and pre-order before regular sales begin. For those who enjoyed the original Pebble Round, this successor was just what they needed: a cleaner design, greater display real estate, and a battery life that lasts weeks rather not days. The best aspect is that it completely supports all core functions on both iOS and Android.