Pebble Time 2 Revived with Touchscreen Apps, Pixel 11 Entry Model May Feature Less RAM

Pebble's Triumphant Return: The Pebble Time 2 Revolutionizes with Touchscreen App Support

The smartwatch landscape looks very different today than it did a decade ago. Yet one name that defined the early wearable era is making a comeback. After years of silence following Fitbit's acquisition (and later Google's), Pebble is back—this time under the leadership of its original founder, Eric Migicovsky, through his new venture Core Devices. The latest revival brings us the Pebble Time 2, a device that not only honors its roots but also embraces modern expectations by adding touchscreen app support.

A Brief History of Pebble

Long before the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch became household names, Pebble was the pioneering smartwatch that captured the imaginations of tech enthusiasts. Launched in 2013 via a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, Pebble offered an e-paper display, long battery life, and a focus on notifications. In 2016, Pebble released the Pebble Time 2 with a larger display and waterproofing—but the company was acquired by Fitbit before the device shipped widely. For years, fans wondered if the brand would ever see the light of day again.

Fast-forward to 2025: Core Devices, headed by Migicovsky, negotiated rights to the Pebble name and made good on the unfulfilled promise of the Pebble Time 2. Now, it's back with significant upgrades, including a revamped operating system and, crucially, touchscreen app support.

What's New in the Pebble Time 2

The Pebble Time 2 retains its iconic rounded-square design, but the internals have been overhauled. The most notable addition is a full-color touchscreen that allows users to interact with apps directly—swipe, tap, and scroll without solely relying on the side buttons. This moves the Pebble experience closer to that of modern smartwatches, without losing its signature lightweight feel and week-long battery life.

• Display: 1.5-inch color e-paper touchscreen with sunlight readability
• Battery: Up to 7 days on a single charge (even with apps)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, optional cellular
• Apps: Third-party app store reborn with touch-optimized interfaces

Touchscreen App Integration

The headline feature—touchscreen app support—is more than a gimmick. The Pebble SDK has been updated to allow developers to build custom apps that leverage the touchscreen for navigation, input, and interactivity. This opens up possibilities for more complex watch faces, fitness tracking dashboards, and even mini-games. For the first time, Pebble users can use on-screen keyboards, gesture controls, and map interactions that were previously impossible with the button-only interface.

Core Devices has also partnered with several indie app developers to launch new titles. Early examples include a weather app with interactive radar, a music controller that supports playlists from multiple services, and a run tracker that shows real-time pace on a moving map.

Moreover, the touchscreen does not sacrifice the familiar Pebble experience. Users can still use physical buttons for quick actions, and the e-paper display ensures battery life remains excellent. This hybrid approach could appeal to both nostalgic fans and newcomers seeking a minimalist smartwatch.

Google's Pixel 11: A Potential Step Back in RAM?

Shifting gears from smartwatches to smartphones, rumors are circulating about Google's upcoming Pixel 11 series. While details remain scarce, a particularly interesting (and potentially concerning) rumor claims that the entry-level Pixel 11 could ship with less RAM than the current Pixel 10. If true, this would be an unusual move in an era where even budget phones are boosting memory.

Entry-Level Model Speculation

According to sources close to supply chain chatter, the base Pixel 11 might feature 6GB of RAM, down from the Pixel 10's 8GB. This would place it below many mid-range competitors that start at 8GB and even some premium models that now offer 12GB or 16GB. The reasoning behind such a decision remains unclear, but possible explanations include:

1. Cost-cutting to achieve a lower price point in a competitive market.
2. Optimization of Google's Tensor G5 chip and Android 16 to handle tasks efficiently with less memory.
3. Differentiation between the entry model and higher-tier Pixel 11 Pro/Ultra, which are expected to have 12GB or more.

However, the Pixel 10 already performed admirably with 8GB, and a reduction could affect multitasking, especially with AI features that are memory-hungry. Google's recent focus on on-device AI, such as improved voice assistants and image editing, demands more resources—not fewer.

Implications for Users

If the rumor proves true, users who stick with the entry-level Pixel 11 may experience slower app switching and more aggressive background app killing. On the other hand, many tasks like calling, messaging, and light browsing would likely still feel smooth. The key will be how well Google's software optimizations compensate for the reduced hardware.

For comparison, the Pixel 9a (a lower-end model) debuted with 8GB, making a 6GB Pixel 11 seem like a regression. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the phone is still in development, and specifications could change. Google might also decide to offer a 8GB base variant in some regions, keeping the higher RAM for all models.

Until an official announcement, we recommend taking this leak with a grain of salt. The smartphone industry has seen companies sometimes prioritize profit margins over raw specs, but competition may force Google to rethink its memory strategy.

The Bigger Picture

Whether it's Pebble breathing new life into smartwatches with touchscreen apps, or Google potentially downsizing RAM in its next Pixel, these stories reflect an industry in constant flux. The Pebble Time 2 shows that nostalgia and innovation can go hand in hand, while the Pixel 11 rumor reminds us that more—or less—RAM isn't always straightforward. Both products are expected to launch later this year, and we'll be watching how consumer preferences shape their final specs.

For ongoing updates on the Pebble Time 2, check our Pebble coverage. For Pixel 11 news, see this section again later.