Small phone enthusiasts may have to wait a little longer for a compact Android device, as Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble, has shifted his focus to reviving the Pebble smartwatch. In an interview, Migicovsky revealed that he is only "tangentially" working on the Small Android Phone Project, which was initially targeting a 2024 release date.

The Pebble smartwatch, known for its simplicity, long battery life, and open-source software, is making a comeback. Migicovsky confirmed that the new smartwatch will not be a device for everyone, but rather a revival of the original Pebble experience with some modern tweaks. The new device will feature open-source software, allowing users to modify and improve it themselves. Migicovsky also mentioned that he would like to add a chat client and basic AI handoff features to the smartwatch in the future.

The Small Android Phone Project, which had gained significant attention, seems to be on the backburner for now. Migicovsky expressed his hope that someone else would create a small Android phone, alleviating him of the responsibility. This news may come as a disappointment to those who were eagerly waiting for a compact Android device. The project's industrial designer, Alex De Stasio, had even created a brand, Beep, and designed a billboard for the phone, showcasing its potential.

For those considering upgrading their phones, Migicovsky assured that there's no need to wait for the Small Android Phone Project. He suggested that users could safely upgrade to other devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25, without feeling like they might miss out on a potential small phone release in the near future.

The revival of the Pebble smartwatch is an exciting development for fans of the original device. Migicovsky is currently in Shenzhen, meeting with suppliers and factories to finalize the production of the new smartwatch. While small phone enthusiasts may have to wait, Pebble fans can look forward to a new device that stays true to the original's spirit.

In a broader context, the shift in focus from the Small Android Phone Project to the Pebble smartwatch revival highlights the challenges of creating innovative, compact devices in a market dominated by larger smartphones. As consumers increasingly demand more features and capabilities from their devices, it remains to be seen whether there will be a resurgence of interest in smaller, more minimalist phones.