Pebble Time Round Smartwatch: Thin, Light, Ahead of the Curve

All Pebble smartwatches so far have had a rectangular shape. That changes with the new Pebble Time Round, which goes on sale in November.

As Pebble’s fifth smartwatch model, the new timepiece is lighter and thinner than other Pebble smartwatches and includes an always-on e-paper display that alerts users to notifications, messages, incoming calls and more on their wrists.

The Pebble Time Round features an always-on color display, a built-in microphone for replying to messages, a marine-grade stainless steel chassis and bezel, and tactile buttons for easier control of its functions. It also is water-resistant to 98 feet.

A wide range of leather watchband colors are available for the Pebble Time Round, including this sampling. A special-edition rose-gold case finish is available only with a 14mm band. Metal band options are slated for later this year.

The latest Pebble smartwatch can be purchased with either a 14mm or 20 mm wide band and comes in silver or black case finishes.

Pebble owners can choose from more than 8,000 compatible smartphone apps in the Pebble app store to customize their devices. Apps are available from brands, including Jawbone, Misfit, ESPN, Swarm and Swim.com. Independent apps are also available.

The Pebble devices work with compatible iOS and Android smartphones, but not all iOS notification features will work. They work with Apple’s iPhone 4S and above running iOS 8, and with all Android devices running Android 4.0 and above.

The Pebble Time Round features a battery life of up to two days and is capable of 15-minute quick charging that provides one day’s use. The upcoming smartwatch can be preordered at Pebble.com or through Best Buy, Target and Amazon. The device will be available starting in early November.