Next Pebble smartwatch leaks, expected features include coloured display and microphone

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Over a year since it released its Pebble Steel model, smartwatch originator Pebble is set to launch an updated model featuring a coloured display as well as a microphone for voice input or access to services like Google Now and Siri. Pebble has remained the smartwatch to beat, it is a cross platform device that works equally well on Android as it does with iPhones, has a decent five day battery life and is generally more affordable than competing products.

The 'leak' comes from a store from 9To5Mac and an image (see above) posted on Pebble's own website. The eInk or ePaper type displays have been around for some time now, most notably Qualcomm's Mirasol display which features the same efficiency as regular grayscale eInk but with colour. Aside from a very welcome coloured display, we're hearing that the new Pebble will also incorporate a microphone which will put it on par with Android Wear devices for triggering voice commands and will likely integrate with Apple's Siri voice assistant. Pricing for the new watch is critical, rumours are saying that it will be launched on Kickstarter and will cost $199. The new Pebble is also expected to be running an updated user interface courtesy of former webOS designers. 

Pebble has a countown timer on their website pointing to some sort of announcement tomorrow. Considering that the Pebble and the Pebble Steel both use two-year old hardware (although the software has been regularly updated and the user experience has improved). Stay tuned for more news from Pebble.