The revival of the Pebble smartwatch is causing quite a stir in the tech community, and while the updated Pebble Time 2 certainly looks impressive, it’s the Index ring that truly has me buzzing with excitement. After experiencing these devices firsthand at CES 2026, I can confidently say that while the hardware is intriguing, the potential of the Index ring is what ignites my enthusiasm.
The resurgence of Pebble began when Google made the source code for PebbleOS available to the public, a move that delighted long-time enthusiasts of the brand. At last, we have a fresh Pebble offering on the shelves, with the "Pebble 2 Duo" continuing the legacy of innovation that we saw a decade ago.
- Check out our hands-on look at the Pebble 2 Duo, which aims to seamlessly bridge the gap left by its predecessor. [Gallery]
Although the Duo serves as a commendable starting point, it is the Pebble Time 2 that seems to have captured everyone’s attention. The hardware design does not disappoint. With its metal frame and subtle pops of blue or red (or classic black for those who prefer a more understated look), this watch feels premium in every way. While it may be smaller than many contemporary smartwatches, that’s actually a positive aspect. In comparison to the Duo model, the tactile feel of the metal buttons and the durable glass screen is notably enhanced, making for a delightful user experience.
In addition, the Pebble Round 2 exemplifies how ahead of its time the original version was.
When the first Pebble Time Round debuted, it was an exceptional smartwatch, featuring a remarkably thin metal body that outshone its competitors. However, its design came with a trade-off—less-than-ideal battery life and a conspicuous bezel surrounding the display.
The new iteration addresses these issues effectively, boasting improved battery performance and an edge-to-edge display that looks stunning in real life. Its ultra-slim profile feels futuristic, setting it apart from even the latest smartwatches. While the new face design may lack some of the charm of its predecessor, it’s undeniable that this is a significant upgrade.
I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Pebble Time 2 as it begins shipping in the next few months. However, what I am genuinely thrilled about is the Pebble Index ring.
This innovative smart ring is crafted with one clear objective: to capture your ideas on the go. With just a press of its ergonomically designed button, the microphone activates, sending your thoughts directly to the Pebble app on your smartphone. This feature allows you to record your ideas instantly without the hassle of unlocking your phone or navigating apps—just a simple click of the button on your finger.
The Pebble Index, which is expected to integrate with Google Keep to some extent, presents itself as a practical daily wearable. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortably it fits; it’s only slightly thicker than my tungsten carbide wedding band, and the button is the only part that protrudes. During my trial with the sizing kit, I found myself caught between two sizes, indicating that achieving a perfect fit might be challenging for some. Additionally, the size limitation of up to 13 could pose a problem for users with larger fingers.
As for aesthetics, the style may resonate differently with individuals. Personally, I gravitated towards the black-on-black version, as it complements my wedding ring beautifully. However, the gold model with blue accents and the silver version with white details didn't appeal to me. From a design standpoint, the color mismatch between glossy and rubber-like materials makes sense, yet it may not align with everyone’s tastes.
Despite these considerations, my excitement for the Pebble Index remains high. While a Pebble smartwatch might not replace my Pixel Watch, the Index is definitely a wearable that I can envision incorporating into my daily routine.
All three products—the Pebble Time 2, the Round 2, and the Index—are currently available for pre-order at repebble.com and will begin shipping in the upcoming months.
