Eric Migicovsky, the creator of the popular Pebble smartwatch, has launched a new venture called Core Devices along with a pair of innovative smartwatches running the open-source PebbleOS. In the inaugural episode of his podcast, "Tick Talk w/ Eric Migicovsky," he provides a sneak peek at the Core 2 Duo, a device still in its early stages of development, and discusses plans for future enhancements and potential challenges. Migicovsky remains optimistic that the Core 2 Duo, a budget-friendly model with a black-and-white screen and no touch capabilities, will ship in July 2025. However, during his demo of a prototype unit, it's evident that the software is far from complete. Basic functions such as displaying the time and activating vibrating notifications are not yet operational, and the team is still working on refining the smartwatch’s accelerometer and other core functionalities. Despite this, the familiar PebbleOS interface is already in place, hinting at the polished experience users can expect once the final product is released. One notable design feature of the Core 2 Duo is its silicone strap, which resembles the Apple Watch’s style but includes a slot for tucking away excess length, ensuring a comfortable fit. Migicovsky also showcased the tiny USB-C magnetic charging dongle, which was recently unveiled by the company, highlighting its user-friendly design. Looking ahead, Migicovsky envisions several advanced features for the Core 2 Duo and its successor, the Core Time 2, which is set to ship in December 2025 with a color touchscreen. Watch face widgets, which will allow users to quickly view important information like weather updates and appointment reminders, are a top priority. Additionally, deeper integration with Beeper, a universal chat app developed by Migicovsky following the sale of Pebble to Google, aims to enhance the smartwatches' communication capabilities. Another exciting possibility is the inclusion of AI voice agents, a feature made feasible by the presence of speakers and microphones on both models. Given the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which compels Apple to open up its devices, Migicovsky anticipates that the Core smartwatches could support expanded operability with iOS, particularly in Europe. This integration could enable users to respond to messages by voice when paired with an iPhone within the region. Beyond smartwatches, the Core Devices team is focused on modernizing the PebbleOS architecture and porting it to two new Bluetooth chipsets. This effort aims to broaden the operating system's compatibility beyond wearables, though specific devices that will utilize PebbleOS remain undisclosed. In the podcast, Migicovsky also addressed concerns regarding the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made goods. Both the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2 are manufactured in Shenzhen, and currently, they are subject to a 27.5 percent tariff. While these tariffs could add $10 to $25 to the cost of incoming shipments, the exact impact on the retail prices of the Core 2 Duo ($149) and the Core Time 2 ($225) is yet to be determined. Despite the challenges, Migicovsky’s enthusiasm and dedication to delivering a high-quality, affordable smartwatch experience are unmistakable. His new venture promises to bring innovative features and design improvements to a market that continues to evolve rapidly.