Newly Released Pebble SDK Lets Developers Create Custom Watch Faces
April 13, 2013
A new update has just been issued to PebbleOS, the operating system that powers the e-ink iOS-compatible Pebble SmartWatch. And along with it comes the release of the Pebble SDK for third-party developers.
PebbleOS 1.10 brings the following enhancements:
If you can't see the video embedded above, please click here. The update also delivers a number of bug fixes. But arguably the most significant improvement brought by the update is added support for watch faces made using the Pebble SDK, which has just been opened to third-party developers. Available for download here, the SDK currently allows for the creation of custom watch faces. But it's expected to also support the development of apps and alerts. The Pebble SmartWatch is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign that brought in funds amounting to $10.2 million in 2012. The first shipments of the device left warehouses just last January. If you want a Pebble of your own, you can preorder one for $150 here. Once you receive the device, make sure to download its free official iOS companion app in the App Store.
- Added support for third-party watchfaces created by the watchface SDK (see the SDK release notes for more details).
- Resolved power-savings issues causing impaired battery life when connected to an iOS device.
- Improved the responsiveness and power-efficiency of several system applications.
- Improved battery indicator to be more responsive and accurate.
- Added an option to disable turning on the backlight using the accelerometer.
- Added an option to disable the vibrating motor when a notification arrives.
- Factory reset now removes all non-system applications and watchfaces.
- "Allow Pebble to communicate..." pop-ups occur much less frequently on iOS.
