Fitbit focused to recall their “Iconic” line of smartwatches due to skin burning

By Aryaman Bhatia, Science and Tech Editor, The Pawprint 

Fitbit has recalled one of its fitness-tracking smartwatches because it might overheat and burn users.

The business, which is now owned by Google, announced a voluntary recall of the Fitbit Ionic watch.

It will issue a refund of $299 (£225) to anybody who purchased the item, as well as a discount on a replacement unit.

The Fitbit Ionic was produced between 2017 and 2020, with around 1.7 million units sold globally.

The recall does not affect any of the company’s other fitness trackers.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fitbit received more than 170 reports of the lithium battery in its Ionic watch overheating (CPSC).

The CPSC stated that it was aware of 78 complaints of burn injuries in the United States, including two reports of third-degree burns caused by an overheating battery.

A third-degree burn is a severe burn that damages the skin and may harm underlying tissue. It is frequently necessary to do a skin graft.

According to the CPSC, 40 burn injuries have occurred across the world.

Fitbit said in a statement, “Customer safety is always Fitbit’s first priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling Fitbit Ionic smartwatches.”