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Pebble introduces iPhone message reply to Pebble Time line of smartwatches as the features seems to be increasingly attractive.
The voice control feature now enables iPhone users to act upon messaging notification received on their Pebble Time smartwatches. Replying to incoming messages becomes an easy task to be performed directly from your wrist. The messages can either be dictated or one can choose from a wide array of preset messages fit to the situation.
Pebble Time has introduced the same feature for Android some time ago. However, this is the first time it’s being rolled out for iPhone. Considering Apple restrictions regarding this party accessories, the fact that Pebble introduces iPhone message reply to Pebble Time should be considered a success.
Apple does provide this feature. However, it targets specifically Apple Watch and the iPhone. Pebble has found a way to overcome this hurdle and has announced that the voice control feature is and the messages will be routed through the carrier rather than iPhone’s messages. The tricky part is that for now, it only has one partner, and that is AT&T.
The voice control feature for message replies on Pebble Time is available for post-paid AT&T customers. The messages sent from the Pebble Time will not be found in the iPhone’s messaging app. At the same time, they will be sent at text messages, prompting a green bubble to show up on the receiver’s display. Group messages aren’t supported by the feature at the moment.
As for other carriers, Pebble announced that it is taking steps in this direction. Yet no definitive timeline has been set in place.
Nonetheless, adding the voice control feature overcomes one of the biggest barriers that using any other smartwatch than the Apple Watch with an iPhone put up. With a more open approach, the wearables becomes more useful. Especially for iPhone users.
Receiving notifications on any smartwatch is useful. How companies choose to deal with customers being able to act on the notifications is another. With voice control limitations related to the reduced input methods or the small screen of smartwatches are overcome.
Photo Credits: Wikimedia
