Intel recalls smartwatches, admits they can cause burns
Intel has issued a recall on its Basis line of fitness trackers, cautioning customers that the smartwatches are liable to cause burns or blisters. In June, Intel told customers not to wear the watches, and hoped to fix the overheating problems via a software upgrade, a solution that was apparently unsuccessful. Last year, some Apple Watch users reported similar burns and blisters from their devices, claims that remain unverified by Apple. 

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich. Intel

Intel issued a safety recall for its Basis-brand fitness watches on Wednesday, warning that the gadgets could cause blistering or burns and urging customers to return them immediately.

Intel said that it would offer customers a full refund for the watches, which it said are vulnerable to overheating.

The recall, which Intel said it is doing voluntarily, represents a setback in the company's efforts to diversify its business beyond the declining PC industry. Intel bought Basis in 2014 for a reported $100 million.

The Basis Peak watch being recalled was the first Basis smartwatch model built after Intel acquired the company. The wearable gadget can monitor a person's heart rate, sweat output, and physical movements, and was considered more advanced than some of the rival fitness watches by companies like Fitbit and Jawbone.

But the watch was apparently prone to overheating, which could cause burns or blisters on the wearer's skin. Intel first announced the issue in June, and recommended that consumers stop wearing the devices as a precautionary measure.

The Basis Peak smartwatch. Business Insider/ Lisa Eadicicco

On Wednesday, however, Intel said that it was issuing a mandatory recall for all of the watches and shutting down the accompanying Basis Peak online services by the end of the year.

"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," Intel said in a statement on Wednesday. "As a result, we are asking that you return your Basis Peak watch and authorized accessories for a full refund at your earliest convenience. This was a tough decision, but your safety is our top priority."

Intel said that it was aware that "a small number of customers have reported discomfort, blistering or burns on their wrist under the watch body." The company said that the known reported cases of skin burns or blistering from the watches as of early June involved 0.2% of the watches sold.

The recall involves all Basis Peak watches, regardless of model or date of manufacture. The Peak watches ranged in price from $139 to $299.

Intel did not immediately return a request for comment.

You can read Intel's full recall notice here.