Pebble Time smartwatch launches on Kickstarter

Pebble has launched a new smartwatch with a coloured e-paper display on crowdfunding site Kickstarter, and has already smashed its target

Pebble Time, the latest gadget from smartwatch maker Pebble Technology, launched on Kickstarter today and has already smashed its $500,000 target, raising over $4m (£2.5m) in its first three hours.

The new device features a colour e-paper display, which consumes much less power than the LCD and OLED displays used on rival smartwatches like the Samsung Gear S, Moto 360 and forthcomingApple Watch – meaning the battery can last up to seven days.

The Pebble Time is 20 per cent thinner than the original Pebble; the lens is made from scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and the bezel is made of stainless steel. It is water resistant and features a quick-release mechanism for changing the strap, which comes in three colours.

The Pebble Time introduces a new microphone, allowing users to send voice replies to incoming notifications or compose short voice notes. It also has a smart accessory port, enabling hardware developers to build sensors and smart straps that connect directly to the watch.

The operating system has been updated to organise relevant information like notifications, weather, news, travel, and reminders chronologically. This allows wearers to easily see what's coming up next or scroll back to catch up on things that happened in the past.

The Pebble Time is compatible with all 6,500 existing Pebble apps and watchfaces, and Pebble is working with The Weather Channel, ESPN, Jawbone, Evernote, Pandora and others to build new experiences for the watch.

Like other Pebble watches, Pebble Time is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones, including the iPhone 4s and newer phones running the latest version of iOS 8 and all Android 4.0+ phones.

It is available for $159 (£103) exclusively on Kickstarter, with worldwide shipping to backers starting in May. Later this year, Pebble Time will retail for $199 (£129) and be available online at getpebble.comand in stores worldwide.