Fitbit Force, the sports' wristband that keeps track of your daily exercise, may be biting the dust. The Fitbit company is recalling the device after users have developed skin irritations due to prolonged use of the product.
The Fitbit Force is an activity tracking device in the form of a wristband. It has miniature displays and motion sensors that allow users to monitor their body's activity.
These skin irritations have actually been occurring for a while. In fact, in January consumers began posting pictures of rashes which were showing up on their wrists directly beneath where the wristband was worn, according to Liberty Voice. The company hired independent lab and medical experts to test the $129 wristband, and have finally issued a full-scale recall.
"Test results show that users are likely experiencing allergic contact dermatitis," said James Park, Fitbit CEO and co-founder, in an interview with Tech Times. "All Force materials are commonly used in consumer products. However, some users may be reacting to the nickel present in the surgical grade stainless steel used in the device. Other users are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to the materials used in the strap or the adhesives used to assemble the product."
About 1.7 percent of users have reported skin irritation, according to Fox News. Currently, Fitbit has set up a website to deal with refunds and returns. The company will no longer be selling the wristband and will instead create a new, next-generation tracker.
"We have stopped selling Force and have decided to conduct a voluntary recall," said Park, according to Tech Times. "We are offering a refund directly to consumers for full retail price. For addition information related to the recall, we have set up a dedicated page on our website and a call center at 888-656-6381. To our Force community, rest assured we're working on our next-generation tracker and will announce news about it soon."
