Samsung speaks out on Galaxy S III 'pebble blue' delays

Following yesterday's widespread reports that the "pebble blue" version of the Samsung Galaxy S III would miss the May 29/30 launch window, Samsung has released a statement offering an official explanation. Without going into specifics, the manufacturer seemed to pin the delay on quality concerns, possibly confirming recent rumors that it recently had to destroy several thousand defective pebble blue back covers.

Here's the statement in full --

“Samsung’s GALAXY S III Pebble Blue version comes with a newly invented blue colour and special hyperglaze material.

“In order to meet the highest internal quality standards and to provide the best quality GALAXY S III to customers, a short supply of Pebble Blue version is expected in some regions in the next 2-3 weeks.

“Samsung is working hard to ensure that customers will get the Pebble Blue coloured devices as soon as possible.”

We're not sure exactly how you go about "inventing" a color, but it seems that the combination of the blue shade and glossy finish presented some problems in the final few weeks of production. Hopefully the manufacturer's claims will prove accurate, and those who have their hearts set on a pebble blue will be able to get one soon enough. In the meantime, if you're after a Galaxy S III over the next few weeks, it looks like you'll be getting a marble white.

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Pebble E-Paper Watch for Android And iPhone Sets Kickstarter All-Time Record With Over $5 Million In Pledges

Kickstarter is getting to be the only way to launch an audacious project. It seems like very time you turn around, a new Kickstarter drive has set a record and raised millions of dollars. It was just last month that Double Fine Adventure reached $3.3 million to make a game. Now the Pebble e-ink watch has become the top project on Kickstarter with more than $5 million in donations.

  

The Pebble is a smart-looking watch with an e-ink face that does the mundane stuff like tell the time, and tell you what day it is. When paired with a compatible mobile device, it becomes a completely different, and more interesting fashion accessory. The Pebble will pair over Bluetooth to control music, get notifications, caller ID, and it will even pull the full text of messages. The list of stock functions is very cool, but the Pebble will also be extensible with apps. There is a Pebble SDK, and the company plans to deploy an app store of sorts.

It's not too late to risk your hard-earned cash on this device, if you're so inclined. Despite smashing the original goal of $100,000, the folks at Pebble Technology have 29 more days to solicit donations. $115 gets you one of the first batch of Pebble watches, which will reportedly sell for over $150.

For a history of Kickstarter record-breakers, check out this blog post - it's quite fascinating to watch the site's popularity skyrocket over the years.

[Kickstarter]