ALBAWABA - Anker, leading maker of smartphone accessories, is recalling its Soundcore and PowerConf Bluetooth speakers in response to complaints of lithium-ion battery issues that could pose a fire risk, The Verge reports.
The recall comes after 33 instances of batteries overheating, some of which resulted in smoke emissions, small fires, and one case that led to minor burns, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Among the recalled models are A3102016, A3302011, and A3302031, which were only offered for sale on Amazon from March to October 2023. These gadgets were priced between $28 to $130, with approximately 69,000 copies sold in the US and 9,764 in Canada.
Owners of the impacted speakers are advised to turn off their gadgets, unplug them from external power sources like chargers, and avoid throwing them in regular garbage or electronic recycling containers at stores.
Since these gadgets fall into the category of posing fire risks, it is best to dispose of them safely at municipal recycling facilities that specialize in damaged lithium batteries, according to ZDNet.
Customers can look for the serial number on the bottom of the device and verify it on Anker's website to find out whether a speaker is included in the recall. Through the company's support portal, customers with verified impacted gadgets may sign up for a free replacement.
Anker has already issued three recalls in 2024 as a result of battery flaws. The 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K), A3302 AnkerWork PowerConf S3 speakerphone, and A3102 Soundcore Bluetooth speaker were recalled by the company in June. In September, there was another recall concerning the 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K) along with other related products.
