Pebble Steel official: specs, features, release date, pricing and appstore

As expected, Pebble on Monday announced the Pebble Steel, it’s second-generation smartwatch ready to meet the needs of consumers that want a device with better build quality.

While the Steel offers the same features as the previous Pebble smartwatch, including 5-7 battery life, waterproof features and Android and iOS support, the new smartwatch is thinner and it’s made of forged and CNC-machined stainless steel. Furthermore, the display is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass, and the lens includes an anti-fingerprint coating. Check out the device in the gallery below:

The Pebble Steel will be available in two configurations, including Brushed Stainless and Black Matte, each model coming with two bands including a matching metal one and a black leather strap. The device is available to order starting today for $249, which includes free courier shopping worldwide for early orders. The device will start shipping on January 28.

Interestingly, the Pebble Steel will also arrive with Pebble appstore support, the company’s own app store for smartwatch optimized apps. The Pebble appstore will launch by the end of January, and it will be available within the Pebble Android and iOS applications. Check out images showing the Pebble appstore in the following gallery:

The store will include categories like Daily Living, Remote Controls, Games, Notifications, Tools & Utilities, Sports & Fitness and Watchfaces, in order for users to enjoy a better browsing experience. Developers that will want their watchfaces or apps in the store at launch will have to submit them by January 9.

In addition to Yelp, Foursquare, GoPro and iControl, Pebble announced new apps for its products from companies including Pandora, ESPN and Mercedes-Benz.

Anyone buying the new Pebble Steel smartwatch?