Pre-Production Samples + Video
(Can't see the video? Click here to view it on Vimeo)
Things are moving fast in Pebble land. We're progressing rapidly through our Engineering Verification test stages. We've been spending a lot of time in Asia working with our manufacturing team and the various vendor factories that are supplying parts for Pebble. Two weeks ago, we did a sample build of Pebble with the full assembly line. The output of that sample build was a few of the first assembly line manufactured Pebbles!
Note:
Pebble is not in mass production yet. These sample Pebbles are from an early pre-production test build. We only turned the assembly line on for one day to test the process.
One of the first Pebbles off the test assembly line. Check out the video above for a closer look!
A view of the test assembly line
Soldering the battery to the main printed circuit board (PCB)
David (tall guy from Dragon) examining the vibrating-motor-into-case assembly process
You can view the high resolution versions of all these images and more in this album.
Roadmap
Environmental Testing
Now that we have more complete sample Pebbles to work with, we're beginning environmental testing. This means putting Pebble through its paces and seeing how the hardware holds up in a variety of everyday (and not so everyday) conditions. Here are just a few of the tests that Pebble is undergoing:
- salt water test
- water proofing test
- UV aging test
- Drop test
- Twist test with bands
- Lens impact test
- abrasion test
- button reliability test
- tension pull test with wrist straps installed
Antenna testing
We can confirm that the issue we were having with the antenna (Update 18) has been conquered! The latest samples have vastly improved range and meet all of our requirements. Originally, our design included a chip antenna (similar to this), a simple antenna that's easy to use. But after testing back in August showed degradation of the signal inside a test Pebble, we redesigned the radio-frequency (RF) path. We switched to a custom-built antenna solution that uses metal traces positioned to be higher above the bottom of the watch, allowing the RF signal to be clear of water-filled cylinder that is a human wrist.
2-3 test builds remaining before mass production
Before we get into mass production (ie manufacturing all 85,000 Pebbles), we have several more test builds to complete. A test build is when we get the whole assembly line into place and manufacture/assemble a batch (normally around 50-300) of Pebbles. These test builds give us the chance to test the end-to-end manufacturing process, catching problems, testing new solutions and eliminating bugs. These are our major opportunities to revise and fix any problems with the design or manufacturing process, so we're being extremely diligent and careful.
Testing different variations of batteries, vibrating motors and backlight modules
For example, we have several different vendors lined up to provide components for Pebble like the vibrating motor, battery and flexible printed circuit (FPC). In these test builds, we are qualifying each vendor's components and making sure that they are suitable for us to use. Having multiple vendors available for high risk components allows us to switch one component out for another in mass production if issues or delays arise with that specific part.
Color Pebbles
Check out the video to see a few samples of the color Pebbles. We aren't happy with the precise colors, so we're still working on tweaking the plastics. As soon as we're happy with the colors, we'll post high resolution photos in a future update.
T-shirts giveaway!
Here's your chance to get one of our cool 'Meet Pebble' t-shirts that I was wearing in the video. All you have to do is tell us what you're planning on doing with your Pebble ("Checking email while paragliding" or "Skipping music tracks from the bath tub" or even "Writing an app to control the sun..."). Post your answer in the comments section below. We'll choose our 10 favourite answers and give the responder a red or grey a 'meet pebble' t-shirt (their choice).
Thanks again for backing us, Pebblers!
Eric + Pebble Team
Greg Feczko on October 20, 2012
I'm going to steal the moon with my pebble -- writing code to shrink the moon? hmm. I need more minions.
Jon Williamschen on October 20, 2012
I work with loud machines all day, Will be nice to glance at my watch to get messages.
Trevor DeVaney on October 20, 2012
I am going to use a timestop app to enable me to get anywhere on time.
Juan Ignacio Valdivia on October 19, 2012
Falta poco!!!! cuándo despachan?. saludos desde Chile
idogcow on October 19, 2012
Was also considering making a watchface with a 'Laugh Out Loud Cats' (Adam Koford) theme in the style of the old analog Mickey Mouse watches.
Johnny Healey on October 19, 2012
I'm currently in a long distance relationship and use post-it notes to keep a countdown of days until I see my significant other. I'd like to offload this task to my pebble watch (perhaps with finer granularity).
Mike Kennedy on October 19, 2012
I'm already working on an iPhone app that monitors real time data from a vehicle's OBD II port, I'd like to have that data display on the pebble as well.
Michael Spencer on October 19, 2012
I plan on using Pebble to check emails and texts while in work meeting and not get busted for looking at my phone.
Michael J Maione on October 19, 2012
I am planning on using my Pebble to stop time around me so I can catch up on my yard work and listen to some music (control my music app with Pebble), call some friends overseas (use my Pebble to tell what time it is overseas) and catch up on emails and messages (Oh yea, Pebble does that as well). Hey, could someone develop an app to cut my lawn? That would be great.
Rob Kleiner on October 19, 2012
Slyly checking on incoming texts and emails at networking events without having to pull out my phone in front of a room full of my peers.
Gavin Phoenix on October 19, 2012
I'll hopefully be controlling my music and triggering voice commands on my phone (via a bluetooth headset).
Additionally, i'll be making it play fart sounds on my phone. Yes, I'm that immature!
Joseph H. Zojaji on October 19, 2012
I'm going to use my "Orange" Pebble to to remind myself that dreams do indeed come true.
Can't wait! Great job, guys.
Everton Fraga on October 19, 2012
I'm gonna develop a Snake game to play with my pebble!
Aaron Avallon on October 18, 2012
Checking mountain bike speed / time / who is calling or texting while I am riding.
Shelley Schlueter on October 18, 2012
Getting my husband to see his text messages while he's at work. He's in retail and he can't use his phone while he's in front of customers, but now I'll be able to stealth communicate with him.
Eric Montoya on October 18, 2012
Dick Tracy-esque functions on my "James Bond Skyfall"-esque Pebble - can't wait to integrate more of the media that comes at me all in one spot!
Daniel ponder on October 18, 2012
Use it to check my personal emails and texts stealthily while in a meeting
nando712 on October 18, 2012
Prevent from getting caught at work from checking phone when I can look at MY PEBBLE:) the most convenient way to live mobile thx pebble.
eric on October 18, 2012
set a button to control the exposure on your video
Spyridon Panousopoulos on October 18, 2012
I'm going to use mine to tell time - if it ever gets here.
Anshu Prabhat on October 18, 2012
Decline calls when in class...
crashmore on October 18, 2012
I'm going to use mine while I'm out mountain biking. I keep my phone in my camelbak so I'm less likely to break it during one of my inevitable crashes. With the pebble I'll be able to see my text messages or see that it's my wife or someone else important enough to actually warrant pulling over and digging my phone out!
Clay Bailey on October 18, 2012
Make sure mine has the invisibility app, please. Useful for disappearing from corporate meetings! Oh, please send me a t-shirt.
Rainy Day on October 18, 2012
Going to use the Pebble to put my wife on mute.
Laerte Alves de Souza on October 18, 2012
Tele-transport my mother in law to Andromeda!!
Rafael Meninelli on October 18, 2012
Sync, track, reply, tune in...bottom line, I'm going to have fun with Pebble!
Matt M. on October 18, 2012
I'm excited to be able to see who is calling or text messages quickly and safely while riding my motorcycle! I also like to keep my phone in my pocket at meetings or lunch to ensure I give proper attention to the people I'm with . This will help me not miss important calls or properly ignore ones without having to take out my phone. Very exciting!
Conor Nolan on October 18, 2012
I'm going to write a toddler mute app and use peddle to control it.
Copperfield on October 18, 2012
I plan to use it for reading my mails.. 2000th comment =)
David on October 18, 2012
As a group fitness instructor, I hop between stage and the stereo between tracks to stop and start music while I introduce the next exercise. I'm looking forward to be able to stop and start music direct from my Pebble for a smoother class that doesn't have me running backwards and forwards all the time.
Phantom317 on October 18, 2012
I plan to ue my pebble to lord my technological superiority over my coworkers! I will be one step closer to being half-machine!
Copperfield on October 18, 2012
I plan to use my pebble for showing off in school .
PANAGIOTIS FLESSAS on October 18, 2012
Καλή δουλειά! Περιμένουμε με χαρα το pebble!
Martin Wong on October 18, 2012
Really hope it could be shipped ASAP.
Wilson Tham on October 18, 2012
I plan on configuring my Pebble, and if need be build an app using the developer SDK, to display SMS and/or email only from me before giving it to my wife as a gift so that she can be constantly reminded that I am always by her side since I travel quite frequently.
Yaron Golan on October 18, 2012
Running and tracking my Gym workout routine. Will probably build an app that can interact with Pebble Watch to be able to do so.
Janette Hand on October 17, 2012
I plan to use my pebble to enrich the lives of those who are unaware of the amazing world of technology that we live in. Whether I celebrate the developer SDK, the ability to communicate via message from this watch, or even just talk about how amazing this is. The Pebble will no longer be a product, but rather an experience.
LarryRusslin on October 17, 2012
I plan on using my Pebble to read texts, emails, and reminders in stealth mode while pretending to be the rule abiding high school administrator I am.
Thomas Lo on October 17, 2012
If possible, the watch should connect to podcast an weather channel. It definitely gives me an update on the world news.
David J. Murphy on October 17, 2012
I plan to use my pebble when I run. I currently use runkeeper so it will be nice to be able to just look at my wrist to get an update of my pace, speed and distance.
Fab Mackojc on October 17, 2012
I want to write an app that will let me use my Pebble to tell me when my food has finished in the oven/microwave.
Derek Rieger on October 17, 2012
Being able to change the music I'm listening to without having to pullout my phone would be nice. Lazy, but nice :)
Ty Brown on October 17, 2012
I work in deployable medicine. I'm planning on using my watch to help me keep track of my patients' vital signs while I'm alone on deployment (I have really long nights watching over people). That display on my wrist is going to save my life (and several others too).
Jay Von Nieda on October 17, 2012
i plan on using my Pebble to display the most awesome watch face ever I have designed
Jan-Cees van Buiten on October 17, 2012
I'll use my Pebble to check the speed-o-meter on the ski slopes.
Jonathan Corona on October 17, 2012
I plan on building app for the pebble that would allow me to turn the lights on my house (arduino), start my car (Viper Remote Start Kit) and remote control the thermostat in my house. The pebble will help me attain ultimate nerd status.
Steve Ruddach on October 17, 2012
I plan to use my Pebble to calculate my velocity and displacement as I jump from beyond the edge of space, and skip tracks to more motivating songs from my phone to help give me the strength to pull myself out of uncontrollable spins, thus minimizing my chance of passing out and plunging to my earth crushing death. I would then use it to deploy my Bluetooth parachute and land safely in the dessert where I would receive a text displayed on my watch that my media escape car has arrived. LOVE LIVE THE PEBBLE!!!!!
Ryan Chollet on October 17, 2012
I plan on using my pebble to check emails and texts while rollerblading across rainbow road. I also plan to use it, to indiscreetly check emails and texts during class, at Hogwarts.
Jose A Rivera Olivo on October 17, 2012
"Geek by nature, Pebble by choice........."
Noah Parker Selling on October 17, 2012
I plan to use the Pebble to stop pulling out my iPhone as much. I think after configured this could minimize my attention being pulled to the immersive device.