San Francisco resident Laurie Farr tries out a Fitbit Ionic
Andrew Evers, CNBC
Google-owned Fitbit is recalling its Ionic smartwatches because of a burn hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stated Wednesday.
About 1 million Ionic watches have been bought within the U.S., together with almost 700,000 bought internationally, the company stated.
The lithium-ion batteries within the smartwatches can overheat, which may trigger burns, the CPSC stated. Consumers ought to instantly cease utilizing the Ionic watches and get in touch with Fitbit to begin the return of the gadget, CPSC stated. After returning the gadget, shoppers will likely be issued a refund of $299 and a reduction code for 40% off choose Fitbit gadgets.
Fitbit has obtained a minimum of 115 reviews within the U.S. of the battery within the watch overheating, with 78 reviews of burn accidents, two reviews of third-degree burns and 4 reviews of second-degree burns, the company stated. Internationally, the corporate obtained 59 reviews of overheating, with 40 reviews of burn accidents.
A Fitbit spokesperson stated the burns are uncommon. The recall does not increase to the corporate’s different smartwatches or health trackers.
Google introduced in 2019 that it was acquiring Fitbit for round $2.1 billion at a completely diluted fairness worth. The deal, which closed last year, had been meant to assist increase Google’s presence within the wearables market.