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Eric Migicovsky Profile
Eric Migicovsky

@ericmigi

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Dictated, but not read. Cofounder @onbeeper . Previously: @YCombinator @Pebble

Palo Alto, CA
Joined January 2008
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
Today is the 10 year anniversary of the @Pebble Kickstarter launch. I had enough foresight at the time to take a photo of the exact moment when everything in my life changed:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Oh, sorta like how Apple reverse engineered Microsoft Office file formats to support them in iWork, without Microsoft permission?
@jon_prosser
jon prosser
7 months
Relentlessly hacking Apple while everyone cheers them on. Cringe.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
New app alert: I've been working on Beeper for a while and today we're launching! It's a single app to chat on iMessage, WhatsApp, and 13 other networks. Been using it as my default chat client for the last 2 years and there is NO going back. Check it out
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
I don't want iMessage. I want to be able to securely communicate with iPhone friends through their default chat app.
@jon_prosser
jon prosser
7 months
If you want iMessage, buy an iPhone.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
1 year
I’m excited to introduce a little side project I’ve been working on: Beepberry - a portable e-paper computer for hackers, designed for chatting on Beeper. It’s available today to pre-order for $79. It’s a partnership between me ( @onbeeper ) and @sqfmi :
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
1 year
I scored a devkit for the apple AR glasses one day early!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
@onbeeper For 3 blissful days this week, iPhone and Android users enjoyed high quality encrypted chats. We're working hard to return to that state.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Proud to share our new app: Beeper Mini - iMessage client for Android - Runs locally on your phone (no cloud server in the middle) - Fully end-to-end encrypted - New design Download it now!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
After 4 years at YC, I'm totally jealous of all these founders building amazing startups. Time to give in to the urge and join the fun! I'm now working 24/7 on . The idea is simple: messaging today is painfully fragmented. We're going to fix that.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Beeper Cloud and Mini are apps that need to exist. We have built it. We will keep it working. We will share it widely. This attitude surprises me, especially from people in the tech world. Why do hard things at all? Why keep working on anything that doesn't work the first time?
@ianzelbo
Ian Zelbo
7 months
@onbeeper This seems like an endless cat and mouse game. Isn’t Apple always going to win? Is this a safe business model?
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Buckle up, this is going to be a wild ride
@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
Calling all @startupschool participants - pitch me your one or two-sentence description of what your company does and I will give you feedback! Just reply to this tweet
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Right now, Apple makes it really easy to send unsecure, unencrypted message from iPhones to Androids. Keep that in mind. For iPhone customers, Beeper Mini is a huge boost to security and privacy. iPhone customers have an incentive to encourage their Android friends to use Beeper.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
11 months
This transparent Beepy (né Beepberry) case is beautiful! Running a custom buildroot OS that boots in a few seconds! Next step is getting gomuks (Beeper client) up and running.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
This is not about forcing Apple to make an iMessage app for Android. This is about making the default chat experience between Android and iPhone customers more secure, with better features. Defaults are powerful. On iOS, Apple makes it impossible to change default chat app.
@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Right now, Apple makes it really easy to send unsecure, unencrypted message from iPhones to Androids. Keep that in mind. For iPhone customers, Beeper Mini is a huge boost to security and privacy. iPhone customers have an incentive to encourage their Android friends to use Beeper.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 months
The reality distortion field is soooo strong with apple fanbois. I had dinner with family in Indiana last night. All have iPhones. Each one had a story of annoyance about crappy low resolution videos, broken group chats, etc when chatting with Android friends. No one had
@t3dotgg
Theo - t3.gg
6 months
Finally sat down and read this blog post. The entitlement on the side of Beeper is insane
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
I want a small Android 🤖 phone, but it appears that no manufacturer has the guts to make one. The only way we can change this is if we work together. I wrote a manifesto/ode to small phones. If you want a small Android phone too, please check it out!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
1 year
Beeper beeper! Made by @sqfmi
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
I'm back! 10 years after my first @ycombinator demo day I went back on stage today to pitch @onbeeper . We're still in the early days of the company and working to deliver the basics and fix bugs, but man...it does feel exhilarating to talk about the whole plan!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
I understand how ridiculously annoying this uncertainty is for our users. I won't feel bad if you duck out for now. We'll let you know when things are back up and running. @TimSweeneyEpic and Epic won this week against Big Tech. We have a chance. We're not giving up.
@onbeeper
Beeper
7 months
Apple appears to be deliberately blocking iMessages from being delivered to ~5% of Beeper Mini users. Uninstalling and reinstalling Beeper Mini fixes the issue. We won't have a fix tonight, but we're working on it.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Thank you Senator Warren for coming out in support of Beeper!
@SenWarren
Elizabeth Warren
7 months
Green bubble texts are less secure. So why would Apple block a new app allowing Android users to chat with iPhone users on iMessage? Big Tech executives are protecting profits by squashing competitors. Chatting between different platforms should be easy and secure.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Stay close to your phones
@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Buckle up, this is going to be a wild ride
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
1 year
Forgotten how beautiful this one is. I have the unreleased ‘heavy metal’ band which feels chunky and amazing. Still pairs and works great! 2014 tech going strong in 2023. How many other gadgets can say you say that about? (I have to side load the iOS app once a year…stupid 🍎)
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Thank you Senator Klobuchar for inviting us to testify for the Senate Judiciary subcommittee, and for your support on this issue. Let's get the AICO brought to vote!
@amyklobuchar
Amy Klobuchar
7 months
Beeper testified at a hearing I held on the impact of monopoly power on innovation, and now we are seeing that impact in real time. Apple is blocking their app that increases choice and convenience. We must pass my bipartisan legislation to stop this anticompetitive abuse.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
Today, the US DOJ sued Apple for illegally creating a walled garden that traps users in the Apple ecosystem and stifles innovation of new apps/accessories. This is relevant to everyone in the US. It's a big deal. Full complaint:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
Ukama just launched today. They are making a $600 open source LTE tower. It is a full network-in-a-box with all the hw/sw you need to run your own LTE network. Spectrum: CBRS (free, supports iPhones/Android). Download eSIM on phone. It's magic ⬇️ ⬇️
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
11 months
Damn, the transparent case (3d printed at pcbway) looks amazing on Beepy
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 years
Just like old times
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
Aspiring consumer HW makers (big and small) - this may sound obvious, but my rec is to underpromise/overdeliver for your first version. It's hard because you want to balance sharing the vision for what the product category will become, but get customers adjusted to the reality
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
But in the end, Pebble failed. A few years ago I wrote but never published a blog post about why I think we failed. I decided to finally publish it now for your reading pleasure -
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
When you run a remote startup out of the garage and have 2 kids <3, it's truly a family business. My wife @pouvesLP and the partners of all my colleagues at @onbeeper work 24/7 to keep the biz running. Thank you so much. The last week has been...exciting...for everyone involved.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Thanks @CBSMornings and @jolingkent for visiting Beeper worldwide HQ (my garage) and getting the full story about Beeper Mini. Fantastic summary of the app and ongoing battle with Apple
@CBSMornings
CBS Mornings
7 months
Beeper Mini, a new app, lets Android users send blue messages to iPhones — instead of green ones. But Apple isn't happy about how the app was made, admitting it tried to shut it down. @jolingkent reports that a group of lawmakers has asked the Justice Department to look into it.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
8 years
This is a big deal. Code in Javascript for @Pebble Try it now, send us feedback @pebbledev
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 years
All @pebble users! Really important that you create a Rebble account (link below) before June 30! This will back up your settings etc. Share this!
@KatharineBerry
Katharine Berry
6 years
I have a Rebble update for you! It’s time for you to create your accounts. Full details over here:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
Very strong signal from bipartisan legislators in the House and Senate. Lots more to come this week.
@jolingkent
Jo Ling Kent
7 months
Senator @amyklobuchar + @SenMikeLee + @RepJerryNadler @RepKenBuck sent this to DOJ regarding ongoing fight betwn Beeper Mini vs Apple “to investigate whether this potentially anticompetitive conduct by Apple violated antitrust laws.” I’ll have the full story on @CBSMornings tmrw
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 months
This is our last attempt to get this working. It works quite well - my number is now blue again! It's out of our hands now (open source ). Read our detailed response to Apple's accusations:
@onbeeper
Beeper
6 months
📣 UPDATE: amidst deliberate targeting of Beeper Cloud and Mini’s stable compatibility with iMessage, users can now restore their connections and resume reliable messaging starting today. Get the full details on our blog:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
@jon_prosser Beeper Mini is here today. That may happen sometime in 2024 and they haven't said whether it will support encryption.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
1 year
Google search quality dropped today because all the good reddits got deleted
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 months
My response when haters tell me for the Nth time to just give up already! Full post:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
5 years on and devs like linksky are STILL building new game engines and beautiful games like Pebblemon for @Pebble . Incredible!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
iMessage sent from @Pebble . Keep hacking!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
5 years
Don't want to be late!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 years
Ten years to the day since we built the first prototype of what would eventually become Pebble (video posted later that year)
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
"Why is Bluetooth still so terrible? Why do we still use it?" answered...
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
'pebble time steel smartwatch from the future'
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
You can now apply to YC at any time during the year. Apply whenever you feel ready!
@ycombinator
Y Combinator
3 years
We want to better support founders year round by interviewing and funding startups on their schedule. Apply to interview early for the YC S21 batch!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
From the DOJ complaint. I couldn't have said it better myself ()
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
Today, the US DOJ sued Apple for illegally creating a walled garden that traps users in the Apple ecosystem and stifles innovation of new apps/accessories. This is relevant to everyone in the US. It's a big deal. Full complaint:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
After 3 years, Beeper is finally out of beta! No more waitlist - you can head over to and download it today. I'm excited to hear what you think of it. Read more on our blog: Also...👇
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
🫂
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 months
Palm OS running on Beepy 🤩
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
This is literally what Beeper Mini did.
@sdw
Sebastiaan de With
3 months
The US Department of Justice thinks Beeper — a hack that spoofed Mac serial numbers to make iMessage work on random hardware — was ‘fixing’ the messaging experience on iOS. What… the actual fuck
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
Doing @ycombinator changed my life (for the better 😛) when I got accepted to w11 over a decade ago. I am a life-long YC fan. If you are working on a startup, consider applying - deadline for w22 is tonight
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 months
We're in the final stages of testing the new @onbeeper Android app! It's a complete rewrite of the app. Built for speed and performance, with a complete redesign of the look and feel. You'll be able to try it for yourself soon, but here's a sneak peek (not done yet, still WIP🏗️)
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
5 months
Some late night fun - tested the upcoming major overhaul of Beeper Android on @thelightphone E-INK phone... worked out of the box and feels kinda usable! What can I say, I like e-paper 😂
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
I am a founder again. Now I can get back to tweeting about important things like how Apple has taken 48 damn hours (and counting) to review a simple Testflight iOS app update (after 4 days of back and forth over stupid questions like 'who is the target audience for your app?')
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
@onbeeper Oh and of course thanks to my incredible colleagues for working 24/7 on this.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
🎉🎉🎉
@onbeeper
Beeper
3 months
Beeper Launch Day: No more waitlist + we joined Automattic! - No more waitlist, Beeper is now available for everyone! - Beeper has been acquired by Automattic - Our new Android app is out of beta Download now: Read more on
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
ok we makin phones now
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
5 months
It will take a few years, but the impact of Apple's actions over the last few months will fundamentally change how the world (and devs specifically) perceives Apple.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
Update - it's alive! @sqfmi has built my little dream Beeper device 🤩 2.4" Sharp memory LCD panel (same as Playdate). Running linux and gomuks (terminal CLI Matrix client written by @tulir293 ) @theradxa zero is the SBC
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
I'm dreaming of a Beeper chat-only device for hackers! Maybe use @sqfmi Franky (unit on right) which has same e-paper display as Pebble. Could change it to a Blackberry keyboard ala @arturo182 Keyboard featherwing
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
I'm a big fan of what TL is doing with @thepine64 . Got to fanboy over the new PinePhone keyboard at lunch. Reminds me of my treasured Psions 🤩
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
This DOJ v Apple lawsuit is basically Eric Migicovsky v Apple. I swear I did not do this on purpose.
@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
Oh hey, they worked in some Pebble stuff too
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 years
And yes, iMessage works even on Android, Windows and Linux using some trickery :)
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
10 years
'Is this thing on'? Not something I have to worry about with my @Pebble http://t.co/ao2BjiKRYL
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 months
Truth is, you can keep hating. It has zero impact on me. I don't even know who you are.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
The most exciting thing that ever happened in Palo Alto just happened in front of our house
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 months
I think we have happened upon a topic that is even more catnip for HN than e-paper. Next step - an e-paper reversed engineered iMessage client. Oh wait......
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
when ur main kpi is karma on hn, it's important to pick the right projects to work on
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 months
It didn't have any instructions, so what was I supposed to do! Honestly, I think the ear is probably the best place for an AI device like this (could be a bit smaller tho)
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
8 years
Great start to the @Pebble KS3 campaign! Now to celebrate with a special treat
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
11 months
This feature is actually coming to Beeper Desktop shortly
@soren_iverson
Soren Iverson
11 months
iMessage group chat TL;DR
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
Our new family member, Julian, voted already! Technically, while in utero 😉 @pouvesLP
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
Pebble was an intense and wild 9 year ride. While it didn’t work out perfectly, I can’t say I would change too much about the experience. I loved being part of the team that invented the smartwatch. I loved seeing Pebbles on wrists all around the world!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 years
It's awesome how much Pebble development is still going on! Just purchased the beautiful @weathergraph face
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 months
all I want is a Marc Rebillet Google IO robe
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 years
We're extremely pleased to announce that Qi Lu has joined YC as the founding CEO of YC China. This is a really big deal for YC - our first ever program outside of SF. Applications are open now!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 months
Getting closer to real sideloading! Still tons of problems (€0.50 fee, still need to be compliant with Apple BS rules, etc), but it's clear that the EU is chipping away at the ridiculous malicious DMA compliance that Apple announced in Jan.
@9to5mac
9to5Mac
4 months
Apple will allow users to download apps directly from a developer’s website, in latest EU App Store rule change by @ChanceHMiller
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
Hey @startupschool founders - today is pitch practice! Pitch your startup and get instant aggregated feedback from the community using a Twitter Poll to see how many people understand your pitch! More info and an example:
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
The jailbreak community is one of the internet's best renewable resources. Every year there are new teenagers who want to fight the system and create some cool new hacks. Continually amazed at how many interesting tricks y'all figure out.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
Wild story from @ReedAlbergotti great newsletter today about Apple v Qualcomm 2019 antitrust case. Apple accuses QC of antitrust behaviour, but the real story is Apple conspired for years to bring this lawsuit...
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
5 months
Had to buy one of these 15 year old Peek Mobile devices off amazon for $30. Has anyone rooted it?
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
5 years
Pretty damn impressive phone, @getpeid . $669 for an Android flagship with zero notch or bezel and a 90hz display. Want!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
Or the time we bought a single billboard on the 101
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 months
There may never be a new addition to this list without chat network interoperability. Platform lock-in is huge.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
8 years
Lots of @Pebble 2 HRM testing happening. Our hearts are getting a workout!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
YC demoday 11 years ago. Turning point in my career. Good luck to those in W22 this week!
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
75% of all tweets last week were related to Twitter itself or Elon. What does that do to a platform to be so self referential?
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
I don't know how tall any of the founders are in this @ycombinator batch
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
7 months
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
3 months
Wow, turns out non-Apple approved apps are great. Who would have expected that?? Thank you DMA.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
6 months
@t3dotgg Let me just get this clear - do you think there should be no anti-trust regulations at all? Or that there should be anti-trust but apple is too small currently to be governed by then?
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
4 years
Today we're mourning the recent passing of @UWaterloo Engineering Dean Pearl Sullivan. She was an infectiously enthusiastic force for good on campus and around the world. I enjoyed every single encounter we had over the last decade. I miss her already.
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@ericmigi
Eric Migicovsky
2 years
Most people don’t know this but we actually started building smartwatches 5 years earlier in 2008. By 2012, we weren’t doing that well and only had $30k left in the bank account. Launching on Kickstarter was our last shot. If it didn’t work, we’d have probably shut it down.
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