Update keeps Pebble watches working when servers go offline

Fitbit has released an update to its apps for Pebble to allow watches to function when the servers go offline. Fitbit will later disable the Pebble servers and want to prevent users from being able to use the smartwatches.

The update was a promise from Pebble upon its acquisition by Fitbit late last year. With version 4.4 of the app for Android and iOS, it is possible to use the app without logging into Pebble’s servers, according to the company. In that case, users can only add apps and watchfaces via sideloading.

With the update, Fitbit is preparing the watches to shut down the servers later this year or next year. Because Pebble watches depend on Pebble servers for setup, users would no longer be able to use smartwatches after a reset. The functionality of the watches is limited after the servers have been turned off. For example, it is no longer possible to store data from Pebble Health online. The app for iOS now writes that data to Apple Health.

With the apps it will still be possible to install the latest firmware and there will also be a way to point the app to a new server if the user wants it. For example, a third party can take over a login process from Pebble.

Fitbit acquired Pebble late last year for $23 million and announced that the company would stop making smartwatches. Presumably, Fitbit wants to improve its software with the purchase.