If you’ve been waiting to try Core 2 Duo, now’s your chance. Beta testing has officially kicked off, and you can apply whether you pre-ordered or still have an old Pebble lying around.
Beta testers get the call
If you pre-ordered a Core 2 Duo, keep an eye on your inbox. Emails will go out later this month asking you to confirm your shipping address and settle any local taxes or import duties. That’s the final step before your unit gets boxed and sent out.
The first 200 watches are already built. Some of them will go to early backers who opt in to the beta. Eric says they’re looking for people who aren’t just eager, but patient. There’s a very real chance you’ll be using software with missing features and placeholder designs. So the team wants testers who are happy to live with early bugs and offer detailed feedback without venting about it too much on social media.
If you don’t have a Core 2 Duo on order, you’re not entirely out of the running. Anyone with a working Pebble Time, Time Steel, Time Round or Pebble 2 can apply to help test the new mobile app. That bit’s worth repeating. The upcoming iOS and Android apps work with old Pebble watches. No sideloading required.
Developers get a head start
There’s also a push to get Core 2 Duo into the hands of people who are planning to build apps or watchfaces. If you used to develop for Pebble, or want to start now, the team is happy to move you up the queue. Especially if you don’t have any working Pebble hardware left.
That might also include people curious about the lower levels of the system. Eric’s shown off an internal dev board that plugs into the back of the watch. It won’t be useful for regular users, but it’s meant for firmware hackers and embedded devs who want deeper access to PebbleOS. You’ll be able to add it to your order later this month, and if you do, your Core 2 Duo will arrive without the back sealed so you can plug it in.
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You don’t need this board to write apps. You don’t even need it to write firmware. But it gives you access to live logs and makes debugging faster. Just keep in mind it won’t turn your Core 2 Duo into a devkit unless you also put in the hours.
A few things coming soon
The Core Time 2 is also moving along. That’s the model aimed at those who prefer the look of the original Pebble Time. Eric says engineering samples should be ready within the next month. For now, the Core 2 Duo is taking the spotlight.
All in all, it feels like we’re approaching the end of the waiting phase. Units are being assembled, apps are being tested, and the software is finally starting to touch real wrists. Slowly but surely, the Pebble reboot is becoming a thing you can actually wear.
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