Pebble Time 2 to Support Touchscreen Apps, Rumors of Reduced RAM for Pixel 11 Surface

Pebble Time 2 Finally Embraces Touchscreen Functionality: A New Chapter for the Retro Smartwatch

Once a pioneer in the smartwatch market before disappearing from the scene, the Pebble brand is making a strong comeback. Core Devices, the company behind the revived Pebble, has announced a major update to usher in a new chapter in the brand’s history.

The Pebble Time 2, introduced last year as the brand’s first touchscreen-equipped model, initially launched without touchscreen functionality in its PebbleOS. However, this is about to change dramatically.

PebbleOS v4.9.171: APIs for Touch, Speakers, and RGB Backlighting Now Available

On May 1, Core Devices founder Eric Migicovsky announced PebbleOS v4.9.171, a new update that provides developers with APIs to integrate touch controls, speaker functionalities, and RGB backlighting into their apps. This paves the way for the long-awaited development of touchscreen-compatible apps and games.

The first results are already emerging. In a demo video shared by Migicovsky, a clone of the game “Breakout” can be seen running on the Pebble Time 2 with full touchscreen controls. Additionally, new apps utilizing touchscreen features, such as timers, calculators, mini-golf games, and castle defense games, are rapidly being developed.

This update also includes practical changes such as a new memory limit of 1MB per app, additional settings for touch and backlighting, and improvements in low-power operation. The SDK for developers is now available on CloudPebble.rePebble.com, promising to merge retro aesthetics with modern interactivity in a fresh ecosystem.

Rumors of Spec Reductions for the Next-Generation Pixel

Meanwhile, in the smartphone market, leaks about Google’s upcoming “Pixel 11” series have started to surface. According to multiple sources, anticipated global RAM shortages in 2025 could lead Google to reduce memory capacity in the entry-level model compared to the current “Pixel 10.”

There are also rumors that the new model might exclude features such as a temperature sensor and an IR camera for facial recognition. On the other hand, the Pro models are rumored to include enhancements, such as a small RGB LED light bar integrated into the camera bump.

That said, these reports are based on leaks and are subject to change before Google’s official announcement. Any potential RAM reduction could be a sign of cost-cutting measures or inventory management strategies, which might influence the positioning of the entry-level model.

Other Developments

Elsewhere in the tech industry, there are additional noteworthy updates. The sustainable smartphone “Fairphone 3,” which was released in 2019, is set to receive its final security update in June 2026. While official support will end in August of the same year, Murena will provide extended support for two more years for users who install the alternative Android OS “/e/OS,” which excludes Google apps.

Additionally, renowned tech leaker Evan Blass, known for his @evleaks account on X (formerly Twitter), has announced his retirement. Citing challenges in continuing his leaking activities and the need for chronic health management, Blass has decided to step away from the scene.

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Q: What impact does Pebble Time 2’s touchscreen support have on the brand?

A: This marks a groundbreaking evolution for the Pebble brand. Historically, Pebble was known for its reliance on physical buttons for navigation. With the introduction of touchscreen support, the ease of use for games and apps will significantly improve. For developers, it opens up new creative opportunities, while users can enjoy a more intuitive and modern experience. By blending retro design with contemporary functionality, Pebble’s appeal is being redefined.

Q: What might be the reasons behind the rumors of a RAM reduction in the Pixel 11?

A: The primary factor could be global supply and demand issues and price fluctuations in semiconductor components, particularly memory chips. In the event of a RAM shortage, manufacturers often adjust specifications in certain models to manage costs and inventory. However, there are also reports that Google is planning upgrades in other areas, such as cameras and displays, potentially indicating a reevaluation of the entry-level model’s positioning. These rumors remain unconfirmed, and we await official information from Google.