Pebble took the start-up world by storm with its introduction of the first contemporary smartwatch as we know it. Having already pushed over 300,000 units, the company has faced pressure from the likes of Sony and Samsung, but so far – and largely due to the ineptness of the aforementioned – Pebble has weathered the storm. Today, as promised, the company has rolled out its tailored Pebble appstore as part of its version 2.0 firmware and iPhone app to reinforce its position in the smartwatch market.
Firmware 2.0 for Pebble, which includes built-in support for the new appstore and Notification center, has just rolled out immediately. The new firmware can be downloaded on the smartwatch from the Pebble iOS app 2.0 for iPhone. Unfortunately, Android users will have to wait for the updated Pebble app, since the new update requires some fine tuning, but the Pebble team promises that it will hit the Google Play Store very soon.
The Pebble appstore provides a one-stop for users of the Pebble to easily locate content in an organized manner. As previously announced, popular apps such as Yelp, ESPN, GoPro, Pandora and Foursquare have been readied for this official launch, and with a total in excess of 1,000 apps and watchfaces, it makes a very strong statement of intent.
New Pebble iOS app running Pebble appstore.
There are numerous sections within the new appstore making, it very easy to source fresh content, with categories such as Daily, Tools & Utilities, Notifications, Remotes, Fitness, and Games.
It is worth noting, however, that while this portal makes it a great deal easier to find new apps and watchfaces, you can still download them through other means, so if we’re thinking in terms of the two current market leaders in mobile app distribution, this isn’t so much a Pebble App Store as a Pebble Play Store.
Foursquare app for Pebble 2.0
Along with these significant software updates, Pebble also recently launched Pebble Steel of its wrist-worn gadget, which has been retailing since the tail end of January. Having followed the start-up through the Kickstarter days, it’s great to see the success continuing a couple of years on, and even though this year could see the likes of Google and Apple join the smartwatch fray, this resilient little startup company definitely has something of its own to bring to the table.
So, if you’re a Pebbler, grab the iOS software below, and we’ll be sure to let you know just as soon as the corresponding update arrives for Android.
(Download: Pebble Smartwatch for iPhone on App Store)
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