As technology continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, gadgets like smartwatches have become indispensable companions for many Australians, especially those over 50 who are keen on monitoring their health and staying connected.
However, recent news has highlighted a potential risk associated with some of these high-tech timepieces.
Fitbit, a leading brand in the world of wearable technology, has issued a recall for two of its smartwatch models—the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3—due to a risk of burns from overheating batteries. This recall has raised concerns among users who rely on their smartwatches not just for convenience but also for their health-tracking features.
If you’re an owner of the Fitbit Sense model number FB512 and the Fitbit Versa 3 model number FB511, there’s no need to panic or rush to return your device. Instead, Fitbit has released a firmware update designed to introduce a ‘new battery management system,’ as stated by Product Safety.
Not all units are impacted, so it’s worth checking if your device is one of those requiring the update. This update aims to reduce the risk of battery overheating and improve the stability of the affected devices’ battery performance.
‘Consumers do not need to return their devices to receive the firmware update. Once the firmware update has been installed, you can continue using your device,’ Product Safety said.
However, it’s important to note that while this update is intended to mitigate the risk of burns, it may also result in your smartwatch’s battery lasting for ‘shorter periods between charges.’ Consequently, you may find yourself needing to charge your device more frequently.
For those with affected models, Fitbit is offering a gesture of goodwill in the form of an $80 pacifying payment. To find out if your Fitbit is affected and whether you’re eligible for this payment, you can submit a request through Fitbit’s channels.
Keep in mind that it could take up to a week to verify your eligibility and an additional three weeks for ‘ US$50 appeasement requests’ to be processed. This offer will be available until 21 January 2026.
The affected Fitbits were sold not only in Australian stores but also online and internationally, through various retailers including Amazon, BIG W, and JB HiFi, among many others, between 1 August 2020, and 30 September 2023.
While Fitbit is taking steps to fix the issue, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has indicated that affected consumers may be within their rights to request a refund or replacement if they prefer.
As you continue to embrace the convenience of wearable technology, it’s crucial to stay informed about product recalls and updates to ensure your safety.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers. Have you been affected by this recall? How was your experience? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s continue to support each other in navigating the ever-evolving world of technology safely and smartly.
Also read: Safety alert: Popular smartphone model recalled over fire hazard
