Own a Pebble smartwatch? Here's why your gadget is now doomed
TAKEOVER by fellow fitness giant means Pebble smartwatches could soon be no more, leaving owners unsupported.
Pebble owners will no longer get software updates for their devices
Pebble smartwatch fans could be left high and dry after the wearable tech company was sold this week.
The company, which initially gained fame via crowdfunding site Kickstarter, is being acquired by fellow fitness tech firm Fitbit.
And some customers aren't happy - as they could be majorly losing out on their next wearable device.
Pebble initially gained fame via its Kickstarter campaign
The deal, which was officially completed yesterday, will see Fitbit acquire all intellectual property concerning Pebble's software and firmware development.
The company's existing products are unaffected, although users may no longer receive regular software updates.
However several devices that Pebble was developing have now been cancelled, with the company confirming that, "We are no longer manufacturing, promoting, or selling any new products."
This includes the Time 2, Core and Time Round products, which have all now been shelved, with Pebble promising to refund backers.
What's next for Fitbit?
Pebble said in a statement on its Kickstarter page, "We don't expect to release regular software updates or new Pebble features.
"Our new mission will focus on bringing Pebble's unique wearables expertise to future Fitbit products.
"We're also working to reduce Pebble's reliance on cloud services, letting all Pebble models stay active long into the future."
The deal will also see several "key personnel" from Pebble join Fitbit.
Fitbit released its latest devices back in August
Fitbit said that the deal would help boost its own wearable goods by targeting more customers than ever.
Chief executive James Park said that the acquisition left Fitbit, "well positioned to accelerate the expansion of our platform... as well as build the tools healthcare providers, insurers and employers need to more meaningfully integrate wearable technology into preventative and chronic care."
The company revealed its more recent devices back in August, with the new Flex 2 and Charge 2 offering more software tricks allowing for more accurate and comprehensive fitness tracking than ever before.
However the latter device was later found to have several significant issues, including one which incorrectly displayed the distance it tracked.