Over a decade ago, I was one of the early Kickstarter backers of what would become a revolutionary product in the wearable technology space - the Pebble smartwatch. The excitement of receiving that first Pebble and later upgrading to the Pebble Time remains a fond memory in my journey with technology.

Now, in an exciting turn of events, Pebble creator Eric Migicovsky has unveiled PebbleOS running on new hardware. This isn't just a nostalgic revival - it's a continuation of the vision that made Pebble special in the first place. With Migicovsky planning factory visits and many veterans from the original Pebble team on board, this project feels like a true return to form.

What makes this return particularly significant is Google's recent decision to open source the PebbleOS code. This move not only helps keep older Pebble watches alive but paves the way for new hardware that stays true to Pebble's core vision. The "Rebble" project, announced as a reboot for Pebble smartwatches, promises to maintain what made the original special while adding new features.

The new Pebble team's commitment to maintaining the original's beloved features while introducing "some fun new stuff" is particularly exciting. As someone who experienced the magic of the original Pebble ecosystem - from its innovative e-paper display to its vibrant developer community that created over 16,000 watchfaces - I'm looking forward to contributing to this next chapter.

What set Pebble apart was its focus on practical features: an always-on e-paper screen that was perfectly readable in sunlight, impressive battery life, and a simple yet powerful user experience. The new hardware promises to maintain these core strengths while building on them with modern improvements.

For those interested in joining this revival, you can sign up at rePebble.com. Whether you're a long-time Pebble enthusiast or new to the platform, this represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a community-driven approach to smartwatch development.

The return of Pebble isn't just about nostalgia - it's about bringing back a practical, user-focused approach to smartwatch design that many of us have missed. With open-source software, veteran leadership, and a clear vision, this new chapter in the Pebble story promises to be as exciting as the first.