Pebble smartwatches just got a little smarter, allowing some iPhone owners to reply to text messages directly on the watch – something that has so far been possible only on the Apple Watch.
Pebble is excited to introduce Text Reply for iOS, a beta feature making us the first non-Apple smartwatch to bring voice and text replies to our iPhone users […]
After setting things up, users can respond with a voice reply or pre-defined text to incoming items from the iOS Messages app.
There are, though, a few disclaimers …
First, the new Text Reply for iOS feature is limited to the more recent models: the Pebble Time, Time Steel and Time Round. Second, it’s initially limited to AT&T, and there only to post-paid accounts. Third, it uses a carrier-specific workaround, so you won’t see your replies in the thread in the Messages app on your iPhone.
But if you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll find the instructions below. If not, Pebble says it is working with other carriers to bring the feature to more iPhone users.
- Update your Pebble Time iPhone app to version 3.4 or higher.
- After updating the iPhone app, update your Pebble Time’s firmware to version 3.7 or higher. Select Menu » Support » Update Your Pebble if you aren’t prompted automatically.
- From the iOS app, navigate to Menu » Settings » Actionable Notifications to set up Text Replies for the first time.
- Follow the setup instructions.
- After successful setup, notifications received from the Messages app will have the option to reply with voice or a list of pre-defined responses.
Via Engadget
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I just can’t understand how out of all the visual design that Apple fans have enjoyed over the years, that the world’s ugliest watch somehow is appealing. Every photo is just reenforces the putrid design. Have they not seen Nixon? Vestal? It boggles the mind how the arm turd is pitched as a desirable elective.
I have just bought a Pebble Steel (in black). Not the Time edition, the one before that. It is not as ugly, in fact, in black, it’s sort of invisible on your wrist. Best implementation of a smart watch ever, and sorry to say it, unlike the overly complex and somewhat ugly Apple Watch (yes, it’s ugly too), the Pebble Steel offers the following, and I regret waisting time prior with the not too bad Sony Smartwatch 2 and (hardware wise) excellent Moto 360.
5-7 day battery life (confirmed)
Superb daylight readable always on reflective display
Water resistant to 165 somethings (feet? Not sure!)
Intuitive UX – shames the awful Android Wear and Apple Watch UX
Mechanical controls make usage a pleasure and way easier when running and you want to change track etc.
Superb simple all you need implementation of notifications – THE best feature!
No, no fancy voice control or colour display, but a bit like one of those old Nokia phones, it will be useful for far longer than the fancy quick to obsolete smart watches, and no doubt last longer too.
Buy Pebble Steel used like I did so if you don’t like it, you’re not wasting your money.