Pebble SDK hits 2.0, brings new APIs, full iOS 7 integration

The darling of the wearable computing market has so far been the Kickstarter-funded Pebble smartwatch. The hardware is only part of the story at Pebble, though. Pebble’s software platform has played host to native apps as well as several companion apps on iOS and Android. Today, Pebble is launching its Pebble SDK 2.0, putting four new APIs in the hands of developers. Of the new APIs being revealed today, accelerometer, data logging, and persistent storage allow native Pebble apps to collect and store movement data, even in the absence of a tethered device. The Javascript API is distinct, though, because it allows Pebble apps to perform Web actions, like gathering weather data, traffic information, and location data. Several partners have had access to the SDK already and will be releasing their own apps shortly. Among those are Foursquare, iControl, GoPro, and Yelp. In addition to the new SDK, Pebble is also announcing full integration with iOS 7, including full access to the Notification Center. Apple worked to make iOS 7 more friendly to Bluetooth accessories, and the result is that any update that can be shown in Notification Center can now appear on your Pebble, too. FURTHER READING DEATH BY INCOMPATIBILITY: A SAMSUNG GALAXY GEAR REVIEW Samsung built a smartwatch but forgot to make it do stuff. We’re fully expecting to be bombarded with wearables at CES 2014, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see some new hardware coming from established names. With high return rates being reported for Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, now seems like a perfect time for Pebble to bolster its developer resources. Wearables won’t explode in the market until the right use case is found, and making that case will require a software solution.

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