Consumer electronics manufacturer Anker announced a recall of its Soundcore and PowerConf Bluetooth wireless speakers after receiving 33 user reports of overheating of the lithium-ion batteries built into the speakers and, in some cases, smoke and even fire, writes The Verge. Instead of defective speakers, the company will offer users new ones.
Image source: Anker
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the wireless speaker models subject to recall – A3102016, A3302011 and A3302031 – were sold exclusively on the Amazon marketplace in 2023. About 69,000 speakers, ranging from $28 to $130, were sold in the United States, and another 9,764 in Canada.
According to the CPSC, Anker and Amazon have contacted all known buyers of the speakers. Defective speakers can be identified by the serial number located on the bottom of the case. To check whether a dispenser is subject to recall, you must enter its serial number on the appropriate page on the Anker website.
Consumers whose Anker speaker is included in the recall are advised to stop using it, turn off the device, and disconnect it from the charger or other external power sources.
In June of this year, Anker recalled three devices due to a fire risk, and in September, Anker 335 Power Bank (A1647) manufactured between January and June 2024 was recalled for the same reason.