Intel has started a recall program for its Basis Peak smartwatch after the company failed to address overheating issues with a software update, now promising to refund all customers who bring their devices back in stores.
Intel launched an advisory in June to warn that its smartwatch was overheating and recommended customers to stop using it until a firmware update was issued to correct this problem.
In a new announcement released a few hours ago, Intel says that a software update couldn’t address the overheating, and the company decided to recall all smartwatches, with customers to receive a full refund for their purchase.
“This was a tough decision, but your safety is our top priority,” Senior Vice President and General Manager, Intel New Technology Group, says in a message acknowledging that the smartwatch caused burns and blisters to “a small number” of customers.
Intel reiterates that it’s critical for their clients to stop using the device and says that, while the recall program starts immediately, Basis Peak services will continue to be available until December 31, 2016, when everything will be shut down. The watch will also stop syncing on this date and will thus stop working.
“We had hoped to update the software on your watch to address the problem. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we aren’t able to develop such a solution without completely compromising the experience. As a result, we have decided to recall all Basis Peak watches, and offer full refunds for your watch and authorized accessories,” Intel continues.
The company emphasizes that this is a voluntary recall, and buyers will receive a full refund, not only for the smartwatch but also for all authorized accessories.
As for how many people were hurt by the overheating smartwatches, Intel says that only a very small number of devices were actually suffering from this issue (although this doesn’t actually align with the company’s decision to recall all devices and offer full refunds).
“We are aware that a small number of customers have reported discomfort, blistering or burns on their wrist under the watch body. At the time of our initial announcement, the known reported cases involved approximately 0.2% of the watches sold.”
You can find the full recall announcement in the box after the jump, and keep in mind that Intel strongly recommends everyone to stop using the Basis Peak right now because there are huge risks of burns and blisters should your devices be impacted by the overheating bug.
