The Basis Peak activity tracker has been recalled due to reports of overheating.
Device owners are encouraged to stop using the wearable immediately and return it (and any authorized accessories) for a full refund. Consumers can continue to access personal data until Dec. 31, after which Basis Peak services will be shut down. To export fitness data from the Basis Peak app, visit Settings > Export Data.
The company in June recommended folks stop wearing the Peak watch, which was known to cause discomfort, burning, or blistering on the skin. At the time, reported cases involved only 0.2 percent of the wearables.
"We had hoped to update the software on your watch to address the problem. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we aren't able to develop such a solution without completely compromising the user experience," Josh Walden, senior vice president and general manager of the Intel New Technology Group, wrote in a blog post.
"This was a tough decision, but your safety is our top priority," he added, apologizing for the situation and thanking customers for their "patience and support."
Intel-owned Basis launched its watch-style activity tracker in November 2014. Designed to look like a watch, the Peak features a forged aluminum body, Gorilla Glass touch screen, battery life up to four days, and a water-resistant rating of 5 ATM. It also offers iOS and Android push notifications, and allows users to stream heart rate data to other fitness apps.
To return your Basis Peak and obtain a full refund, visit support.mybasis.com, or call the customer support number (1-844-622-7472 in the US and Canada).
Folks in the US can expect their refund within 10 days of Basis receiving the returned device. Peak owners will be compensated $234 ($199 for the watch, plus $20 tax and $15 for shipping); the Titanium edition comes to $344 ($299 + $30 tax + $15 shipping).
The recall includes authorized accessories like the charging cradle and watch straps, which are also due for a refund.