Pebble Time smartwatch breaks Kickstarter records

[burble]

Anyone who has backed it or who wants a "Time" over one of the Wear or iWatches, I am curious why? Whats the major selling point?

I've got an original Pebble and have backed Pebble Time.

I use my Pebble a lot, I wear it nearly every day. It's very useful for getting SMS/iMessage/WhatsApp notifications without having to look at my phone. Yeah, I can't reply without picking up the phone but it's useful to see the message especially if I'm driving. It's great for basic control over the music app on my iPhone, it isn't good for going from random track to random track but I listen to albums as albums so I start an album and can pause easily if I want. I often have my iPhone in a small dock when I'm working so it's useful to be able to pause what I'm listening to when the phone rings.

I'm going to be setting up some home automation stuff when I move so it'll be good to be able to do a few HTTP requests from my wrist. I already use it to reboot my Raspberry Pi when it throws a hissy fit.

Battery life is excellent, my Pebble is just over 2 years old and it easily goes a week between charges.

They're not for everyone, that's definite but I'm glad I've got one.

Why did I back the Time? Because I like the original and am keen to see what the newer version can do. I didn't want Android wear because I don't have an Android phone and have no intentions of getting on. As for the iWatch, no thanks, it doesn't appeal at all.

[crossy]

Good points being made above by the pro-watch (if I can call them that) camp. Some of which, despite having an early model or two myself, hadn't occurred.

The killer uses of the smartwatch has to be as either a remote control or secondary screen for a conventional mobile. That's assuming, of course, that we don't end up with watches with their own mobile comms (and decent battery life).

The typical anti argument seems to be "why do I need that when I can just pull out my phone". My answer to that is that there's times when this is not convenient/practical. Try rifling through your pockets on a packed commuter train or bus and see how popular you are then! Which maybe accounts for the large number of "suits" that carry their phone in their hand, rather that in a pocket. Similarly, most phones are not showerproof, whereas watches like the PT are - so you can still use your phone while it's safely tucked away in a jacket pocket. Or if you're cycling and have got "the precious" tucked in your backpack - be a real nuisance to have to stop and take phone out of backpack to check a text, (as opposed to stopping and checking it on your wrist).

I'm not - for one moment - saying that everyone should rush out and buy a smartwatch. That would be stupid. But, I am saying that there's people for which it's a valuable addition. Put it another way - why the big whoop for bluetooth headphones when a cabled one is cheaper, less hassle and gives better sound quality for the money?

Like I said I own an early smartwatch (two if you count the Seiko) but the Pebble Time is the first one that comes close to being a "wanna buy" for me. Although personally I much prefer the conventional looks of the LG G Watch or Moto 360. Rectangular slabs are neither attractive nor comfortable in my eyes. The Apple Watch fails in too many areas to be interesting for me (too expensive, not weather-resistant, slabby, iPhone-only) - but if it "pushes your buttons" dear reader, then I'll raise a glass to you.

[burble]

Good points being made above by the pro-watch (if I can call them that) camp.

I've been called worse

weather-resistant

Ah yes, I knew there was something I forgot to mention. It's quite handy that the Pebble is water proof, I was using it when I was in Florida a while ago to control the music playing from my phone (through a dock) whilst I was in the pool and hot tub.

For me a smart watch is about convenience, I can't do anything new as a result of having one but there are a few occasions where things are a bit more convenient.

Now all that said, there's a time when I most definitely won't wear it - when I need to dress smart. If I'm suited and booted then I'll wear my Seamaster rather than the Pebble.