Amazon has launched a critical software update for its Echo Buds true wireless earbuds following reports of overheating.
The company is emailing customers to warn them of a “rare” issue where the Alexa-enabled buds could overheat when they’re charging in the bundled-in case.
Amazon says it has identified the safety risk and the software update can now be updated through the Alexa companion app, although this should be done automatically. The firm says the update also improves the long-term performance of the Apple AirPods rivals.
The email says: “The safety of our customers is our top priority. We recently determined that in very rare cases it is possible for Echo Buds to overheat while in the charging case. Out of an abundance of caution, we have released a software update that addresses this potential safety risk and improves the long-term performance of Echo Buds’ batteries.”
Related: Best wireless earbuds 2020
You can ensure you have the new version of the software by opening the Alexa app and heading to Devices > Echo & Alexa > Echo Buds > About. Look for software update 318119151. Word of the update comes from Android Central writer Daniel Bader.
Amazon is sending emails to Echo Buds owners warning of a fire risk due to overheating and advising everyone to update the firmware pic.twitter.com/zjwOj91TNW
— Daniel Bader (@journeydan) July 15, 2020
The £120 Echo Buds arrived in the UK rocking Bose noise reduction tech, hands-free Alexa support, Bluetooth 5.0 and five hours of battery life. However, they didn’t do enough to sit among our favourite true wireless buds. Our reviewer Kob Monney gave the Echo Buds just 3.5/5 stars.
He wrote: “Amazon’s first pair of headphones are both good and not so good. In terms of features its great, with Alexa voice control and Bose Noise Reduction which works to dim any outside hubbub. They’re also a good choice for those who live in an active lifestyle with great fit and IPX4 rating. But the sound is disappointing with a turgid bass performance and a lack of detail.”
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.