New apps, OS version to grace Pebble watches shown at CES

By AJ Dellinger January 6, 2014

new apps os version grace pebble watches shown ces pebble2apps — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our review of the Pebble Steel smartwatch.

Pebble Steel may be the latest and greatest to come from Pebble, but the smartwatch maker also made sure to shore up its existing market with improvements to the operating system and new apps that are on their way. The Pebble 2.0 update, and a new app store that will accompany it, will be available to Pebble users by the end of January.

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The update to Pebble 2.0 invites new developers to get in on the action and make a wrist-accessible version of their app. Joining in on this cause include some of the more notable mobile app makers around. Pandora will bring its music discovery service to Pebble and will include the ability to create and listen to stations. Yelp can help you find a restaurant and will make use of Pebble’s portability by showing you dining spots near by based on your location. GoPro’s app allows users to hit record on their camera from their wrist. Foursquare makes checking in and checking on your friends easy. An app from iControl Networks gives control over different parts of your home, from climate to alarm. These are just some of the apps being developed, and Pebble promises the amount of developers on board is plentiful.

Pebble was early to the wearable tech market when it released its Pebble smartwatch, and with the unveiling of Pebble Steel and the Pebble 2.0 operating system update, it’s clear the company doesn’t plan to stagnate as the market continues to develop.

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AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…

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Rivian offers $3,000 off select EVs to gasoline, hybrid vehicle drivers

Second-Gen Rivian R1S on a road

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If you own or lease a vehicle that runs on gasoline, which means even a hybrid vehicle, Rivian is ready to give you $3,000 off the purchase of one of its select fully electric vehicles -- no trade-in required.
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Rivian’s new All-Electric Upgrade offer marks a change from a previous trade-in program that ran between April and June. There, owners of select 2018 gas-powered vehicles from Ford, Toyota, Jeep, Audi, and BMW could trade in their vehicle and receive up to $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Rivian.
This time, buyers of the R1S or R1T Rivian just need to provide proof of ownership or lease of a gas-powered or hybrid vehicle to receive the discount when they place their order.
Rivian is not going to be the only car maker offering discounts in November. Sluggish car sales from giants such as Stellantis and rising inventories of new cars due to improving supply chains suggest automakers and dealerships will be competing to offer big incentives through the year's end.
This follows several years of constrained supply following the COVID pandemic, which led to higher prices in North America.
According to CarEdge Insights, average selling prices for cars remain above what would be called affordable. But prices should continue improving along with rising inventories.
Stellantis brands are entering November with the most inventory, followed by GM and Ford, according to CarEdge. Toyota and Honda, meanwhile, have the least inventory, meaning they probably won’t be under pressure to offer big incentives.

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AT&T, Voltpost bring internet connectivity to EV charging lampposts

att voltpost streetlight charging newlabdetroit 63

Move over, Supercharger network.

EV charging networks have been fast expanding across U.S. roads and highways over the past year, led by the likes of Electrify America, Tesla, and Chargescape, to name a few.

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Front three quarter view of the 2025 Volvo EX30.

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