Pebble can now display Android Wear notifications

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Pebble is now as smart as other smartwatches out there. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Pebble today announced the v2.3 update of its Android app with many new features, including support for actionable Android Wear notifications. This will allow Pebble users to reply to or dismiss a message right from the watch itself. 

The company has used the open notification system of Android to bring Android Wear notifications compatibility to its watch. This means that developers will not have to update their apps to take advantage of this feature, and existing Android apps with Android Wear compatibility will automatically work on the Pebble.

The update also adds support for all Android devices running Ice Cream Sandwich or higher. Previously, the app was only compatible with devices running Android 4.3+. Another notable inclusion in this update is the ability to send money to your friends in Square Cash directly from your Pebble.

The full changelog of the Pebble 2.3 update is below:

Pebble Android App 2.3.0 Beta Release Notes

  • NEW: Android Wear Notifications. Reply and act on Android app notifications on Pebbles running Firmware v2.9 (in Beta) or higher.

  • NEW: Support for Android 4.0+ devices. Pebble’s latest Android app (v2.2) previously required devices running 4.3 (Jelly Bean) or higher.

  • NEW: Auto app updates. When available, updated apps and watchfaces will be installed on Pebble at times when the watch is idle (e.g. charging).

  • FIXED: Issues with Whatsapp notifications

  • DEVELOPERS: UTF-8 support in PebbleKit JS

  • Bug fixes and stability improvements.

  • Users wishing to beta test this Pebble app must have a device running Android 4.0 or higher.

  • Download the Pebble Android App (2.3 Beta) by joining our Beta Testing Group.

  • After installing and opening the Android Beta app, you will be prompted to update your Pebble to a Beta version (2.9) of the Firmware (required to use the new features in the 2.3 Android app). If this does not happen automatically, select Support » Check for Updates to install the 2.9 Beta Firmware.

  • Report bugs and issues by selecting Support » Contact Support from the Pebble Android Beta App.

The app is currently in beta but you can join the beta testing group from here to download it right away. Do note that certain features of the app requires you to be running the firmware v2.9 — is currently in beta — on your Pebble.

Posted on December 16, 2014 in News