iPod Nano Recall: Old Devices Catching Fire, Apple Says Replacement Guaranteed
Apple announced a recall of first-generation iPod nanos on Tuesday and warned owners that the MP3 player's batteries could catch fire.
The nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 seemed to be holding up just fine when Apple discovered a fatal flaw in the batteries that worsens over time.
During that period, Apple sold 60 millions iPods total. It is unknown how many of those were nanos, according to the company's numbers.
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Apple announced it will offer owners of the defective nano a new one that includes a touchscreen, FM radio, and a pedometer - a substantial upgrade from the old installment.
The technology company addressed the problem in a statement on its website: "Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano first-generation may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006."
"Apple recommends that you stop using your iPod nano (and follow the process noted below to order a replacement unit, free of charge," the statement added.
There have been unconfirmed reports of overheating batteries worldwide. Some users have claimed their clothes caught fire, according to a Daily Mail report.
Apple said that it would check serial numbers to make sure the device is defective.
On Monday, Apple released a patent indicating it could be adding new features to its iPods. One of the new features will be a small speaker dome to the clip of the iPod shuffle or iPod nano.
The speaker could be a "natural evolutionary step for their media players," according to the patent.
NPD analyst Ross Rubin said the speaker combined with the iPod nano's integration of Nike+ exercise software makes Apple more competitive with retailers in the fitness market.
The new iPod nano can be put around a wrist, and can show messages received on an iPad that is nestled away in abag, according to Rubin.
He also said consumers can activate Siri requests through the small screen on their wrist and have answers sent through the speaker.
