Google gives new life to old Pebble Watches with source code release

Even though Pebble watches are no longer made, many people still use them because they last much longer on a single charge than most new smartwatches. For years, the community has worked hard to keep these watches running, but they couldn’t do much without the watch’s original software details. Now, Google has decided to share that software, known as source code, with everyone.
Pebble started back in the early 2010s with watches that had screens that worked like e-paper books – they were easy to see even in bright sunlight and didn’t need much power. This meant Pebble watches could go for a week without charging. They were simple but useful, and people liked them for their straightforward design and battery life. The software was also open, so many developers made apps and custom watch faces for these watches.
However, Pebble didn’t become as popular as big names like Apple or Samsung, and by 2016, it had to sell its tech to Fitbit due to money issues. After that, Fitbit didn’t make new Pebble products, and the original software remained locked away. This made it tough for fans and developers who wanted to keep the watches going or even improve them with new software.
A group called Rebble, made up of Pebble fans, tried to bring the watches back to life but struggled without the original code. Then, Pebble’s old CEO, Eric Migicovsky, convinced Google, who now owned Pebble’s tech after buying Fitbit, to make the source code public. Google agreed, and put it on GitHub, a place where developers share and work on code.
The code release includes almost everything needed to make the Pebble OS work again, like notifications, music controls, and fitness tracking. But some parts, like how the watch connects to phones via Bluetooth, were left out because they’re not theirs to share. So, developers will still have some work to do.
This move by Google could mean new life for these old watches, perhaps even leading to new gadgets using the same old Pebble software. It’s exciting to see such a beloved piece of tech get a new chance, especially since even today, Pebble watches have some advantages over newer models.
Android
Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google updates Chrome, Search, and Play Store for better user experience

Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
-
Apps1 year ago
Gboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year ago
Samsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year ago
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News1 year ago
Satellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps12 months ago
Google’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
Apps10 months ago
Google Contacts app testing new Besties Widget