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Apple recalls Beats speaker over potential fire risk

Apple recalls Beats speaker over potential fire risk

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You'll get $325 for sending the Pill XL back to Apple

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Apple had nothing to do with the development of Beats' Pill XL; the Bluetooth speaker was launched in 2013, long before Apple spent billions to acquire the popular headphone maker. But as it turns out, there's a potential fire risk associated with the product, and now it's turned into a headache for Apple. Today the company announced a voluntary recall of all Beats XL devices, and Apple is encouraging consumers to stop using the product immediately.

"Apple has determined that, in rare cases, the battery in the Beats Pill XL may overheat and pose a fire safety risk," the company said in a press release. No other Beats or Apple products are involved in the recall, but the risk is real. So far, Apple has received eight reports of the Pill XL overheating, and one user is said to have suffered burns as a direct result. The recall impacts around 222,000 units sold in the United States and approximately 11,000 in Canada.

Beats Pill XL owners who participate in the recall will receive $325 — the speaker's original $299.99 retail value plus a bit extra — in either Apple Store credit or through electronic payment. You can't just bring your fire-hazard Beats speaker to the local Apple Store, though. If you own the Pill XL, head to the website linked below, fill out a form, and Apple will mail you a box to return it in. Once received, your refund will arrive within three weeks. Truth be told, there are way better speakers available at this price point. So if you want a positive way of looking at it, Apple is giving you another chance to buy something better.