Pebble Time 2 Gains Full-Screen App Support, Appstore Reopens

Existing Pebble watchfaces and applications can now fully utilize the screen on the Pebble Time 2, and the Pebble Appstore has been relaunched with its original library plus new content, marking significant progress ahead of the new smartwatches’ anticipated release later this year.

The update addresses a previous issue where apps designed for older Pebble models displayed with black borders on the Pebble Time 2’s larger, higher-resolution display. Developers have implemented a scaling feature allowing existing and newly created apps and watchfaces to expand and fill the entire screen. This enhancement improves the user experience and visual appeal of the device.

Alongside the display update, the Pebble Appstore is once again accessible, boasting the original collection of 2,000 apps and 10,000 watchfaces, alongside additions developed since 2016. The revamped store also includes a “similar apps” recommendation section to aid in discovery and now features social link previews when sharing watchfaces. The return of a robust app ecosystem is crucial for the long-term success of any smartwatch platform. Further improvements are under consideration, including in-emulator app testing, broken API detection, and enhanced categorization, according to the development team.

The new Pebble app is currently available for both Android and iOS, though developers note it is still undergoing final refinements. Users can download the app today, but should expect some minor issues as the team continues to optimize performance. The company plans to continue adding features and improvements to both the app and the Appstore in the coming weeks.

TL;DR

• Existing Pebble watchfaces and apps can now scale up, allowing them to fill the entire screen on the Pebble Time 2.
• The Pebble Appstore is back, with existing and new apps and watchfaces.
• Social link previews and a similar app section have been added to the app store.

Pebble is making steady progress toward its eventual return later this year. Before the new smartwatches start shipping, the team is sharing some good news about the Pebble Time 2. It is also reintroducing the Pebble Appstore.

Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?

In a blog post, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky offered a product update and a few announcements. Starting with the update, Migicovsky revealed that his team has been working on a new feature for the Pebble Time 2. Since the Pebble Time 2 has a larger and higher-resolution display than its predecessor, existing apps and watchfaces would be displayed with a black border around them. This new feature allows existing apps and watchfaces to scale up, filling the entire screen. As you can see in the image below, it’s a significant improvement from before.

As for the announcements, the company is reintroducing the Pebble Appstore. According to Migicovsky, the app store contains the same 2,000 apps and 10,000 watchfaces that were available before, as well as new ones created since 2016. Additionally, the app store has a new similar apps/recommendations section to help with app discovery. There’s also now social link previews when you share watchfaces on social media.

Pebble watchface social link preview

These may not be the only changes to the app store sees. Migicovsky states that the team is considering several other new features. These possible features include:

• Click to try out the app in an emulator
• Detecting and warning users about broken APIs and settings pages
• More and better categories
• Better discovery and recommendations
• Highlighting less-hearted apps

The last bit of news mentions that you can try the new Pebble app on Android and iOS. However, Migicovsky warns that the app isn’t at 100% yet.

Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.