Pebble: Apple Watch ‘has a lot of catching up to do’


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Smartwatch start-up Pebble has spoken out about the fast-approaching launch of Apple’s first wearable.


Speaking to the IBTimes UK, Pebble’s CTO Andrew Witte suggested Apple’s arguably late entry into the wearables market could stand against it.


“Our well-established ecosystem means that Apple still has some catching up to do,” said Witte.


“We’ve already explored that app-based model and now we’ve built something a little bit better and more natural for interacting with smartwatches.”


He also waxed lyrical on how Pebble fare measures up against the upcoming Apple Watch, highlighting battery life and pricing as sticking points for the new wearable.


The Pebble has a much better battery life and we’ve found that the timeline interface we use is the way most people want to interact with smartwatches,” the CTO explained.


“The customisable aspect is also important for people, while the price point is obviously a lot less than Apple’s offerings, so it’s much more accessible.”


Related: Best Fitness Tracker 2015


It wasn't all horn-locking against Apple, however, as Witte described how the Apple Watch would actually be very good for the industry and, by extension, Pebble.


“I’m really excited that Apple is entering the space. The Apple Watch will obviously drive awareness to wearables and get the message out to a wider audience,” he revealed.


“But a lot of folks will decide that the Apple Watch isn’t for them and realise that there are other options out there better suited to them. I’m excited because we’re in a good position to take advantage of this.”


Pebble recently unveiled two new additions to its smartwatch line-up with the Pebble Time and the Pebble Time Steel.


The company also announced a new smart strap platform that would give users the ability to swap out modular straps laden with technology like bonus sensors or battery packs.