If Google's Android Wear debut last week wasn't enough proof to show that smartwatches are catching on, Pebble's 2013 revenues and sales numbers certainly are. The company sold 400,000 devices, earning somewhere around $60 million in revenue in the past year.
What's more, the company is on track to make twice last year's revenue in 2014, George Zachary, local VC Charles River Ventures partner and Pebble investor, told Fortune.
Cambridge hardware consultancy Dragon Innovation played a significant role in Pebble's prototype scale, as well as its high-volume production. Over 1,000 Pebble apps are now available, with 12,000 registered developers signed on to deliver more in the coming months. In the beginning of this year, the company also rolled out Pebble Steel, which boasts a sleek metal face and band, classing up the traditional plastic-y look. Not to mention that, earlier this month, Pebble added three new partners – eBay, Evernote, and Time Warner Cable – all of which will supply apps for its store.
While Pebble has a strong head start, there are big players moving into the market.
Last week, Google unveiled its Android Wear SDK developer preview, which includes a number of cool features like voice commands ( "Ok, Google"), multi-screen connectivity, health and fitness monitoring, and more. One of the first devices putting Android Wear to use is Motorola's Moto 360, an ultra-sleek, round-faced smartwatch that's marketing itself as a high-fashion rather than a high tech accessory. Wearables from LG and others are soon to follow.
Meanwhile, Apple is rumored to be working on its "iWatch," which is due later this year.
Will Pebble be able to stay out in front? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Video/image via Pebble
