What you need to know
- Amazon is rolling out a new software update for its Echo Buds wireless earbuds.
- The update addresses a safety issue in which the Echo Buds can overheat in the charging case.
- It's said that the overheating issue is "very rare."
The market for true wireless earbuds is filled with endless options, one of which being the Amazon Echo Buds. The big draw to the Echo Buds is the idea of having Alexa built right into your ear, but it looks like all of that functionality has come with an unexpected quirk.
On July 15, Amazon sent out an email to owners of the Echo Buds warning them of a potential safety hazard in which the Echo Buds can overheat when placed in the charging case. Per the email:
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.
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/zjwOj91TNWAmazon 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, 2020July 15, 2020
As noted above, Amazon is resolving this with a software update that's being rolled out to Echo Buds right now. Echo Buds are updated automatically, so to make sure you have this latest update installed, open the Alexa app on your phone and go to Devices -> Echo & Alexa -> Echo Buds -> About. If you see software version number 318119151 or higher, you're all set.
If your software version is lower than that, all you need to do is make sure your Echo Buds are inside of the charging case, are connected to your phone via Bluetooth and the Alexa app, and that the earbuds and case both have a 30% charge or higher. Keep the lid of the case closed, and the update should be installed within 30 minutes.
This is the first we've ever heard of an overheating issue with the Echo Buds, and we do need to give Amazon credit for issuing the update so quickly. That said, it remains unclear how long this has been an issue and how many people have been affected by it.
