Armed with a built-in activity tracker, optical heart rate monitoring, and now Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant, the ultra-compact Pebble Core is a mini-computer clipped to your running shorts. Whether it’s downloading a Spotify playlist or connecting to one of its compatible GPS fitness tracker (Runkeeper, Strava, Under Armor Record, MapMyRun, etc), this is the first 3G-connected wearable that completely removes your cell phone from the equation.

The ultra-lightweight, super-affordable Pebble Core keeps you sweat-free from bulky armbands – and no more carrying unsightly hip pouches for the sake of keeping your smartphone nearby. With location trackers and a built-in emergency SOS feature, you can still adventure down unknown paths without going off the grid. Since your Core pairs with Pebble Watch, you have the option of wearing a rather powerful 3G/Bluetooth/WiFi tandem.

Pebble Core is also a developers dream device. With an open SDK interface and a mini-computer capable of fitting seamlessly on a keychain, developers can access a full suite of applications. From tracking your while on vacation in Costa Rica to controlling your Nest Thermostat while at work, the possibilities are endless. Core’s SDK open interface comes with a hardware expansion port and two programmable buttons. Just press a button and voila, your Uber ride is en route.

Since its first smartwatch Kickstarter campaign in 2012 (which raised $10 mill), Pebble Technology has been absorbing consumer feedback and making all the right adjustments. For such a small device, the nine-hour battery life can only be described as impressive. The company’s mission was rather simple: to create a better running experience by “giving you the benefits of a phone with none of the inconvenience.” With the addition of Amazon Alexa, they have certainly done just that and then some.