X

Pebble Steel sexes up the Pebble smartwatch (pictures)

Brushed steel, a Gorilla Glass screen, and leather wristbands: take a look at the redesigned Pebble.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
PebbleSteel1.jpg
1 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The new Pebble Steel, arriving at the end of January for $249, revamps last year's Pebble smart watch with a new cosmetic design, smaller chassis, and all-metal construction, and is timed with a brand-new app store arriving around the same time. Read our hands-on take, and detailed conversation with CEO Eric Migicovsky.
Pebblecomparison.jpg
2 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The Pebble Steel comes in brushed silver or matte black, and each also comes with a leather wristband. For comparison, the original Pebble (right) lies next to them.
PebbleSteel2.jpg
3 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
A new RGB LED light on the bottom right lights up for additional notifications.
PebbleSteel10.jpg
4 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The buttons are effectively the same in number and placement as last time, but now in metal.
PebbleSteel3.jpg
5 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
New apps, timed to the release of a new Pebble app store coming by the end of January, will offer more advanced software than before. Mercedes has an app, seen here, which syncs car service data and can connects the Pebble to other car services while driving.
PebbleSteel4.jpg
6 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The packaging for the Pebble Steel...a lot more high end than the last Pebble's cardboard box.
PebbleSteel6.jpg
7 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The watch feels great, and very similar to the older Nano Hex wristband for the iPod Nano. The Pebble display feels smaller, but it's actually the same size: the bezel around it has been reduced.
PebbleSteel5.jpg
8 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
A look at the back.
PebbleSteel7.jpg
9 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
A new magnetic connector is smaller, color-coded, and has larger magnets.
PebbleSteel8.jpg
10 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The Pebble Steels laid out in a box.
PebbleSteel9.jpg
11 of 18 Scott Stein/CNET
The display is covered in Corning Gorilla Glass, which looks a lot crisper and clearer than the original scratch-prone plastic-screened Pebble.
Pebble-2355.jpg
12 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The leather wristband looks particularly nice.
Pebble-2343.jpg
13 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky wearing his Pebble Steel.
Pebble-2291.jpg
14 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Pebble-2274.jpg
15 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Pebble Steel, side by side with an original Pebble (right) for comparison.
Pebble-2223.jpg
16 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
At times, it's hard to tell that the display isn't an actual analog watch face.
Pebble-2249.jpg
17 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The back of the Pebble Steel (left) with leather wristband.
Pebble-2259.jpg
18 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
A few new watch faces seem to be baked-in, like this neat one.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos