Intel-Backed Basis Peak Fitness Watch Recalled For Causing Blistering Burns
Intel has issued a voluntary but important safety recall on all Basis Peak watches. It issued the recall after fielding reports of the handy accessory overheating, which Intel says can result in burns or blisters on the skin. Intel says it's important that owners of any Basis Peak watch stop using it immediately and return it for a full refund.
The overheating issue came to light in mid-June. At the time, Intel hoped it could fix the problem with a software update, but it wasn't able to make the issue go away without completely compromising the user experience. Rather than continue down that road, Intel is throwing in the towel and refunding users who purchased any model Basis Peak watch.
As part of the recall, Intel is stopping support of the watch immediately, though you can still access your data until the end of the year. After December 31, 2016, all Basis Peak services will be turned off, meaning you'll no longer be able to sync your watch, and in turn that will cause it to stop working.
"On behalf of the Basis Science team, I want to personally apologize for this situation. We know that many of you love using your Basis Peak watches and have made it part of your daily lives, and we are very sorry for the disruption this will cause you," said John Walden, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Intel New Technology Group.
Intel says a small number of customers have reported discomfort, blistering, or burns from wearing a Basis Peak watch. Known reported cases account for around 0.2 percent of the watches sold.
The Basis Peak watch was manufacturing from August 2014 to July 2015, and sold from November 2014 until June 2016. It was primarily designed by Basis Science and built by a contract manufacturer in Zhuhai, China. Intel figures into the equation because it acquired Basis Science in March 2014 and imported the Basis Peak into the U.S.
Customers in the U.S. will receive a refund amount of $234 for the Basis Peak, which includes $199 plus $20 tax and $15 shipping. For the Basis Titanium, the refund amount is $344, equal to $299 plus $30 tax and $15 shipping. Refunds are also available in Canada, France, Germany, and other parts of the world.
The overheating issue came to light in mid-June. At the time, Intel hoped it could fix the problem with a software update, but it wasn't able to make the issue go away without completely compromising the user experience. Rather than continue down that road, Intel is throwing in the towel and refunding users who purchased any model Basis Peak watch.
As part of the recall, Intel is stopping support of the watch immediately, though you can still access your data until the end of the year. After December 31, 2016, all Basis Peak services will be turned off, meaning you'll no longer be able to sync your watch, and in turn that will cause it to stop working.
"On behalf of the Basis Science team, I want to personally apologize for this situation. We know that many of you love using your Basis Peak watches and have made it part of your daily lives, and we are very sorry for the disruption this will cause you," said John Walden, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Intel New Technology Group.
Intel says a small number of customers have reported discomfort, blistering, or burns from wearing a Basis Peak watch. Known reported cases account for around 0.2 percent of the watches sold.
The Basis Peak watch was manufacturing from August 2014 to July 2015, and sold from November 2014 until June 2016. It was primarily designed by Basis Science and built by a contract manufacturer in Zhuhai, China. Intel figures into the equation because it acquired Basis Science in March 2014 and imported the Basis Peak into the U.S.
Customers in the U.S. will receive a refund amount of $234 for the Basis Peak, which includes $199 plus $20 tax and $15 shipping. For the Basis Titanium, the refund amount is $344, equal to $299 plus $30 tax and $15 shipping. Refunds are also available in Canada, France, Germany, and other parts of the world.
