Pebble announces the Pebble Time Steel and smartstrap accessories

After last week’s hugely successful launch of the Pebble Time Kickstarter campaign, Pebble is back with two announcements that will definitely excite backers. The major announcement is that of the Pebble Time Steel, a higher-end brother to the Pebble Time. The Pebble Time Steel features a few differences including a stainless steel design, a larger battery that lasts up to 10 days and the same color e-ink display that’s now bonded to the top lens.

Pebble is launching the Pebble Time Steel on Kickstarter for $249, an additional $50 over the standard Pebble Time. The Pebble Time Steel will come in three colors — Gunmetal Black, Stainless Steel and Gold — and Kickstarter backers will receive a rewards package that includes both a stainless steel and leather strap, plus a $50 discount over the retail price of $299. Shipping dates are set for the end of July.

If you’ve already backed Pebble Time and want to upgrade, you can change your backing to the Pebble Time Steel while still maintaining your spot in the line. The Pebble Team does warn, however, that if you were an Early Bird backer and you decide to switch to Pebble Time Steel, you won’t be able to get your Early Bird position back if you decide to switch back to the standard Pebble Time.

The other half of Pebble’s announcement was that of Pebble smartstraps, which is a new type of accessory that will be available for Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel users. Smartstraps are replaceable straps that can contain electronics, allowing a simple strap to bring in a new feature such as GPS tracking, NFC and more. The smartstraps connect directly to the Pebble Time using a simple magnetic charging port and data connection. Pebble has released 3D files to help hardware developers and tinkerers alike get started on creating the accessories. The company has said that while it may eventually create its own smartstraps, the field is currently dependent on interested developers.

Today’s news brings a couple of very interesting developments for Pebble that will only serve to boost the company’s astronomical success. If you want to get in on the action, follow the source link below. In the meantime, just look at the Pebble Time Steel because that thing is hawt.

source: androidandme