The UNA Watch and Pebble mark a significant shift towards open-source smartwatches, an exciting development in a market increasingly dominated by subscription models. The UNA Watch, designed for fitness enthusiasts, boasts features like dual-band GPS, a 10-day battery life, and the ability to upgrade with modular add-ons or replace the battery itself.
In a recent Kickstarter campaign, UNA introduced what it claims to be the first repairable and upgradable GPS sports watch. The device tracks continuous heart rates, blood oxygen levels, steps, and more.
Its advanced features include dual-frequency GPS and impressive battery endurance. Uniquely, it operates on a Cortex-M33 coprocessor, similar to that found in some flagship devices but without the power drain associated with others.
One of the standout aspects of the UNA Watch is its charging mechanism, utilizing a USB-C port rather than a proprietary connection, which enhances convenience. Additionally, users can choose to purchase modular upgrades like music storage and install them independently.
Notably, the watch will not impose a subscription fee and even offers a development tool for those interested in programming their apps. While UNA is more fitness-centric, Pebble approaches the smartwatch landscape differently.
Both brands emphasize an open-source philosophy, allowing users to develop their applications and expand functionality through community input. This is increasingly rare in a market that has seen mainstream brands restrict indie developers from engaging with their systems.
The smartwatch market is currently crowded with brands focusing on medical-grade health tracking and premium subscriptions. Companies like Garmin have also begun utilizing AI capabilities to differentiate their products.
This trend towards heavily featured devices often stifles creativity and limits experimentation from smaller brands. The interest in the UNA Watch and Pebble stems from a desire to support brands willing to break the mold and pursue innovative paths despite being less feature-rich than their competitors.
As a community-driven venture, the UNA Watch particularly appeals to those looking to participate in the development of new features and upgrades. The UNA Watch Kickstarter campaign runs until May 2, with anticipated shipments starting in August 2025.
Meanwhile, Pebble’s new products are also available for pre-order, promising a later release date in December 2025.