Wearable technology has been gaining popularity over the last year. Smartwatcches are something many people want to own. The creators of the Pebble smartwatch have noticed the demand for this technology is growing and unveiled a sophisticated version of the wearable device that features a stainless steel body and Gorilla Glass.
The Pebble Steel which was launched at CES 2014,comes in Black Matte and Brushed Stainless Steel are available to order now on the company’s website.
The Pebble Steel will include two watch straps: metal and leather. They’re also lighter and thinner than the original Pebble, which first shipped to consumers via Kickstarter last year.
“We’re creating the gold standard for wearables that meshes with your everyday life,” said Pebble founder and CEO Eric Migicovsky during the company’s CES broadcast.
The Pebble Steel smartwatch is different form the rest in that it does not have a touch screen. instead, users operate it via a physical buttons located on either side of the watch face. The watch now comes with a LED light that indicates when the watch is charging. The watch will function just like the original Pebble, with full access to the same apps and watchfaces.
The Pebble Steel has a 5-7 day battery life; is waterproof up to 5m; works with iOS and Android smartphones; and has a screen that is readable in full daylight.
Pebble also confirmed an App Store where users can download apps or watchfaces. The Pebble Steel watch has maintained the waterproofing that is featured on the Pebble, so users can “swim, run in the rain, or wash dishes†with the device.
For a project that started with crowdsourcing, Pebble has done pretty well. The company has sold over 300,000 units since its inception and is going strong. As phone companies compete with it, the Pebble Steel smart watch is one wearable gadget that isn’t going to be irrelevant any time soon.