Pebble Time: Next level of Wearable with Smartstraps.

Recently announced Pebble Time and Time Steel are such wearables which can make Apple and other watch manufacturers worry.

Pebble says it is going to release APIs for Time series, which will allow developers to read and write to the port, have the device detect when a smartstrap is attached, and automatically launch apps and functions.

Now, this is a smartwatch ahead of its time. 

The connection can send and receive power and data to the device which opens the way for smartstraps. They’ll be able to replace the normal watch band and offer extra features via dedicated APIs.

Pebble says those APIs won’t be available to developers until “several months” after it starts shipping the Pebble Time in May but when they are, it’ll make a huge difference to how the device works.

The APIs will allow developers to read and write to the port, have the device detect when a smartstrap is attached, and automatically launch apps and functions.

Developers will be able to create accessories that extend the Pebble Time’s functionality beyond the sensors built in to its main body. The company uses the examples of adding GPS, a heart rate monitor, NFC and greater battery life but the potential is huge.