Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/usps-battery-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/usps-battery-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/usps-battery-ban/#comments Image

The USPS has announced that it'll refuse to ship any gear containing lithium ion batteries overseas. The postal service believes combusting power packs have caused two fatal cargo plane crashes since 2006 -- hence the ban, which takes effect from May 16th. Anyone wishing to ship the latest tech to those living or serving overseas will have to use another shipping company -- although the ban might be relaxed in 2013, once safety testing has been carried out.

USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatteryBattery ExplosionBatteryExplosionExplosionFireLithium IonLithium Ion BatteriesLithium Ion BatteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryPlane CrashPlaneCrashPostal ServicePostalServiceUnited States Postal ServiceUnitedStatesPostalServiceUSPSFri, 11 May 2012 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Explosion at Apple supplier injures 57 workers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/explosion-at-apple-supplier-injures-57-workers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/explosion-at-apple-supplier-injures-57-workers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/explosion-at-apple-supplier-injures-57-workers/#comments The welfare of Chinese workers is back in the spotlight after an explosion at Shanghai-based Riteng Computer Accessory Company left 23 people in hospital with burns and another 34 with more minor injuries. Local government officials said the explosion happened on Saturday afternoon at a workshop on the fourth floor of the facility. Riteng is a subsidiary supplier to Pegatron Corp and the Chinese newspaper Yi Cai Daily reported it was in the middle of trial production of aluminum iPad 2 back panels. A separate explosion at a Foxconn factory back in Spring was attributed to poor extraction of combustible aluminum dust.

Explosion at Apple supplier injures 57 workers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentAppleApple supplierAppleSupplierburnsChinaChineseChinese workersChineseWorkersexplosionfacilityfactoryinjuriesipad 2ipad 2 supplierIpad2Ipad2SuppliermanufacturePegatronproductionRitengRiteng Computer Accessory CoRitengComputerAccessoryCoShanghaiwelfareworkersMon, 19 Dec 2011 02:53:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 combusts on Australian flight, looks madder than a spurned Qantas employee]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/iphone-4-self-combusts-on-australian-flight-looks-madder-than-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/iphone-4-self-combusts-on-australian-flight-looks-madder-than-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/iphone-4-self-combusts-on-australian-flight-looks-madder-than-a/#comments On an airline that's actually serving the great country of Australia these days, an iPhone 4 decided enough was enough. Shortly after Regional Express flight ZL319 landed in Sydney from Lismore, "a passenger's mobile phone started emitting a significant amount of dense smoke, accompanied by a red glow." What happened next is a bit of an Aussie mystery, but it seems at some point that the glow was "extinguished successfully." No one onboard was harmed, and the handset in question has been handed over to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for "analysis." It suffered only mild reception issues prior to its final collapse, and if faced with a similar situation, Siri reportedly stated that it would consult a therapist before discharging hot fury.

Update: Ross let us know that officials from the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau are investigating the incident.

Continue reading iPhone 4 combusts on Australian flight, looks madder than a spurned Qantas employee

iPhone 4 combusts on Australian flight, looks madder than a spurned Qantas employee originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleAustraliabatterybattery problembattery problemsBatteryProblemBatteryProblemscombustionexplosionfireheathotiphoneiphone 4Iphone4mobilepostcrossregional expressRegionalExpresssmokeMon, 28 Nov 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny 'jumping robots' have more in common with firecrackers than Johnny 5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/tiny-jumping-robots-have-more-in-common-with-firecrackers-than/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/tiny-jumping-robots-have-more-in-common-with-firecrackers-than/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/tiny-jumping-robots-have-more-in-common-with-firecrackers-than/#comments Jumping robot Perhaps calling an immobile plastic bug with explosives strapped to its underside a "jumping robot" is a bit of a stretch, but who are we to argue with the Army Research Laboratory and the University of Maryland. The two groups have collaborated to create a pair of "robots" that measure just a few millimeters in size but can jump several centimeters in the air. One uses a spring like mechanism (which an operator must press down with a pair of tweezers) to propel it, while the other uses a small rocket, which can be triggered either by current applied over wires or a phototransistor (for untethered flight). It all makes for a pretty neat video, which you can find after the break - even if your sister's Furby was more robot than these tiny things.

Continue reading Tiny 'jumping robots' have more in common with firecrackers than Johnny 5

Tiny 'jumping robots' have more in common with firecrackers than Johnny 5 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army research laboratoryArmyResearchLaboratoryexplosionexplosivejumpjumpingmicrobotphototransistorrobotrobotsrocketspringUniversity of MarylandUniversityOfMarylandFri, 30 Sep 2011 01:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast at Intel's Arizona plant injures seven, investigation under way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/blast-at-intels-arizona-plant-injures-seven-investigation-unde/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/blast-at-intels-arizona-plant-injures-seven-investigation-unde/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/blast-at-intels-arizona-plant-injures-seven-investigation-unde/#comments Yesterday afternoon, a blast occurred at Intel's Arizona plant just outside Phoenix, injuring seven people with one suffering from severe burns. According to Phoenix Business Journal, the incident took place in a solvent waste treatment room at Fab 22 -- not far from Fab 32 which will be manufacturing 22nm chips -- but Intel Vice President Josh Walden assured us that "there was no damage or release of chemicals to the community," and production has already resumed in both facilities. The company is currently looking into the possible causes of this accident -- you'll know it when we have an update, and we wish the victims a quick recovery.

[Image courtesy of neepster]

Blast at Intel's Arizona plant injures seven, investigation under way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentarizonablastburnchandlerchemicalexplosionfab 22fab 32Fab22Fab32factoryintelJosh WaldenJoshWaldenphoenixplantsolvent waste treatmentSolventWasteTreatmentWed, 08 Jun 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Foxconn plant reopens, resumes operations following explosion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/foxconn-plant-reopens-resumes-operations-following-explosion/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/foxconn-plant-reopens-resumes-operations-following-explosion/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/foxconn-plant-reopens-resumes-operations-following-explosion/#comments
Foxconn confirmed today that its manufacturing plant in Chengdu, China has reopened and resumed operations following an explosion in its iPad 2 production facility last month that killed three employees and left others in hospital. The company has also announced that while its investigation into the incident is "ongoing," it has already addressed the preliminary finding that the explosion was "likely due to an explosion of aluminum dust in a ventilation duct." To that end, it says it has put in place "improvements in workshop ventilation," as well as a "a total revamping of the policies and practices related to the disposal of that dust." All Things D has the company's complete statement at the link below.

Foxconn plant reopens, resumes operations following explosion originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentchengduchinadustexplosionfactoryfoxconnhon haiHonHaiplantThu, 02 Jun 2011 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Foxconn confirms third death from explosion, earlier watchdog report points at aluminum dust (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/22/foxconn-confirms-third-death-from-explosion-earlier-watchdog-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/22/foxconn-confirms-third-death-from-explosion-earlier-watchdog-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/22/foxconn-confirms-third-death-from-explosion-earlier-watchdog-re/#comments Following the tragic explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant on Friday, the company has now confirmed to All Things Digital the death of a third employee, with nine remaining in hospital. While investigation is still ongoing, initial findings are pointing at "an explosion of combustible dust in a duct" at one of the polishing workshops, which supports earlier rumors of dust explosion; though there's no confirmation on what caused the ignition just yet.

In related news: two weeks before the fatal accident, watchdog group SACOM released a report on the welfare of workers at the new Chengdu plant. Amongst the uncovering of management issues, excessive working hours, and hazardous environment, PC World highlights complaints from workers about the large amount of aluminum dust -- which is highly explosive -- floating around the polishing department, thus suggesting a lack of proper dust extraction methods within the facility. Foxconn has previously slammed this report, but the outcome of this explosion's investigation should once and for all prove who's telling the truth. For now, though, the priority is to make sure the victims and their families are taken care of.

Full statement from Foxconn after the break.

Update: According to China Times' industry sources, the explosion has only affected some storage facilities and chemical coating lines, though Foxconn president Terry Gou is said to be reallocating some production to his Shenzhen plant as a just-in-case measure.

Continue reading Foxconn confirms third death from explosion, earlier watchdog report points at aluminum dust (updated)

Foxconn confirms third death from explosion, earlier watchdog report points at aluminum dust (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 May 2011 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentaluminumaluminum dustAluminumDustAppleassembly lineAssemblyLineChengdu factoryChengduFactoryChinadeathdustdust explosionDustExplosionexplosionFoxconnhazardinvestigationiPadreportSACOMTerry GouTerryGouwelfareSun, 22 May 2011 23:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills two]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/explosion-at-foxconns-chengdu-plant-injures-several-could-affe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/explosion-at-foxconns-chengdu-plant-injures-several-could-affe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/explosion-at-foxconns-chengdu-plant-injures-several-could-affe/#comments An explosion occurred at Foxconn's Chengdu plant earlier today, with reports claiming several workers have been injured. The Taiwanese company has yet to release a statement regarding figures and the cause of this tragedy, but according to 21st Century Business Herald, witnesses saw lightning hit the A05 building before the explosion took place -- it is believed that this is a case of dust explosion, and security guards were allegedly warning evacuees that the smoke was toxic. At the time, hundreds of workers were present in the affected workshop which houses an iPad 2 assembly line. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Update: Sina Tech is reporting two deaths and sixteen injured people, with three in critical condition. We've also added a video from the scene after the break, courtesy of Sohu.

Update 2: Apple has provided a statement to All Things D, saying:

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Foxconn's plant in Chengdu, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families... We are working closely with Foxconn to understand what caused this terrible event.

Continue reading Explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills two

Explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills two originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentappleassembly lineAssemblyLineChengduChinadeathdust explosionDustExplosionexplosionfactoryFoxconnindustryiOSiPadiPad 2Ipad2manufacturemanufacturerproductionproduction lineProductionLineslateSzechuantablettragedyvideoFri, 20 May 2011 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Atomic bomb tests make for pretty, if unnerving, photography]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/atomic-bomb-tests-make-for-pretty-if-unnerving-photography/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/atomic-bomb-tests-make-for-pretty-if-unnerving-photography/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/16/atomic-bomb-tests-make-for-pretty-if-unnerving-photography/#comments The things America got up to in the 50s, eh? The New York Times has this week published a gallery of arresting images from atomic bomb testing done by the US military in the middle of the 20th century. From nuking its own destroyers and airships while gauging out their "vulnerability" -- let's hope that vulnerability was categorized as "total" -- to producing atomic cannons like the one you see above, the USA really went to town with its nuclear warfare practice. The Times' story is about atomic cameramen and the crazy risks they took to document these events; we'd advise giving it a read, but if you're pushed for time, just hit the source for all the wild visuals.

Continue reading Atomic bomb tests make for pretty, if unnerving, photography

Atomic bomb tests make for pretty, if unnerving, photography originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archivesatom bombAtomBombatomic bombAtomicBombbombbomb explosionBombExplosionexplosionexplosionshistorymilitarynuclearnuclear explosionNuclearExplosionphotographyphotosshockwaveshockwavesus militaryUsMilitarywarThu, 16 Sep 2010 05:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple ordered to make public iPod nano battery fix in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/apple-ordered-to-publish-statement-on-receiving-replacement-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/apple-ordered-to-publish-statement-on-receiving-replacement-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/apple-ordered-to-publish-statement-on-receiving-replacement-ipod/#comments
 We had an eerie feeling it'd come to this, and come it has. Nearly two full years to the day after the government of Japan began a thorough investigation into the spontaneous combusting of iPod nano devices, that same entity is now mandating that Apple publish an "easy to understand" statement on the web that explains how customers can "receive replacement batteries and obtain advice." So far, these volatile Li-ion cells have been blamed for four cases of minor burns in the Land of the Rising Sun, and while Apple has been replacing first-generation iPod nano batteries since 2008 for those that complained, it seems that Japan wants the company to make the option readily apparent to consumers. Be sure to keep an eye on Apple's Japanese site for more, but as of now, we're not seeing any such PSA posted.

Apple ordered to make public iPod nano battery fix in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple ipodAppleIpodbatteryburnschargerchargingexplodingexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionfirefire hazardFireHazardfixgovernmenthazardipodipod nanoIpodNanojapanlithium ionLithiumIonMA004JAma005MA005JAma099MA099JAMA107JAnanooverheatoverheatingportable audioportableaudiorecallsafetyFri, 06 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Screen of Death amongst issues that plagued Deepwater Horizon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/blue-screen-of-death-plagued-deepwater-horizon-oil-rig-months/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/blue-screen-of-death-plagued-deepwater-horizon-oil-rig-months/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/blue-screen-of-death-plagued-deepwater-horizon-oil-rig-months/#commentsA recent report in the New York Times details a myriad issues that led up to the eventual explosion that started the mess known as the "BP oil spill," but aside from obvious mishandling of warnings and red flags, one particular issue was troubling those working on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig long before April 20th. Mike Williams, the rig's chief electronics technician, has come forward with a multitude of icky details surrounding the negligence that was involved in the catastrophe, with the one most germane to our discussion being the following: "For months, the computer system had been locking up, producing what the crew called the Blue Screen of Death." Williams continued, noting that "it would just turn blue," with "no data coming through." Of course, it's not as if BSODs are totally uncommon out in the working world -- Microsoft's Windows powers the vast majority of systems that corporations rely on daily -- but this one rubs just a wee bit differently. Hit the source link for the full spill.

[Image courtesy of Ultrasaurus]

Blue Screen of Death amongst issues that plagued Deepwater Horizon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue screen of deathBlueScreenOfDeathbpBSODDeepwater HorizonDeepwaterHorizonepic failEpicFailexplosionfailissuemicrosoftoil rigoil spillOilRigOilSpillproblemwindowsFri, 23 Jul 2010 22:52:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Pro battery flies off the handle, busts wide open]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/macbook-pro-battery-flies-off-the-handle-busts-wide-open/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/macbook-pro-battery-flies-off-the-handle-busts-wide-open/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/macbook-pro-battery-flies-off-the-handle-busts-wide-open/#comments Here's the thing: that horrifically swollen, completely destroyed battery you're peering at above isn't as rare a sight as it should be. If you'll recall, we've personally covered at least four MacBook Pro battery explosions, and we've also seen a similar amount of volatility over on the PC side. The story behind this one is as follows: a 17-inch (non-unibody) MBP owner was using his machine on a desk (thankfully), when suddenly an odd noise began to increase in volume; following that, the entire machine "jumped up" slightly and turned off, and this battery is to blame. Oh, and if this all-too-commonplace occurrence happens to you next, let's hope you aren't actually using your laptop on your, um, lap.

Gallery: MacBook Pro battery flies off the handle, busts wide open

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MacBook Pro battery flies off the handle, busts wide open originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple macbook proAppleMacbookProbatterydangerdangerousexplodeexplodedexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionmacbook proMacbookProMBPswolen batterySwolenBatteryWed, 11 Nov 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/#comments
Just a note to everyone who carries around a spare smartphone Li-ion in their rear pocket: buy thicker underwear. The scene you see above was all caused by an obviously volatile HTC Touch Pro battery, one that the pants-wearer claims is an authentic HTC cell and not a cheap-o alternative from eBay. As the story goes, a foul odor led him to a laundry pile, where he uncovered eight moist socks, a torched battery and a ruined pair of pants. Look, we're glad this guy's okay and all, but seriously, can you imagine what this testy little thing would've done when tossed into the dryer? It's a blessing in disguise, kiddo.

[Via phoneArena]

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HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just a note to everyone who carries around a spare smartphone Li-ion in their rear pocket: buy thicker underwear. The scene you see above was all caused by an obviously volatile HTC Touch Pro battery, one that the pants-wearer claims is an authentic HTC cell and not a cheap-o alternative from eBay. As the story goes, a foul odor led him to a laundry pile, where he uncovered eight moist socks, a torched battery and a ruined pair of pants. Look, we're glad this guy's okay and all, but seriously, can you imagine what this testy little thing would've done when tossed into the dryer? It's a blessing in disguise, kiddo.

[Via phoneArena]

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HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery explosionBatteryExplosionburnerexplodingexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionfirefire hazardFireHazardhazardHTCoverheatoverheatingsmartphonetouchtouch proTouchProThu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone overheats while docked, fight for replacement begins]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/iphone-overheats-while-docked-fight-for-replacement-begins/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/iphone-overheats-while-docked-fight-for-replacement-begins/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/iphone-overheats-while-docked-fight-for-replacement-begins/#comments
Not even a month after three iPods got all hot and bothered on separate occasions, along comes images showing that even Apple's iPhone isn't immune to melting itself. Purportedly, the handset was purchased from Carphone Warehouse in December, but was never activated for one reason or another. Just this week, the owner's son slapped it in a dock with intentions of activating, walked downstairs to catch the last few minutes of Magnum, P.I. and returned to his room to find a "stupidly hot" iPhone which had already melted in some parts and had its screen cracked from the reaction. Not surprisingly, he's currently in the middle of a runaround trying to get someone to remedy the issue, but thankfully no Earthlings, carpets or IKEA desks were harmed.

Update: Thanks to Logan5's quick eyes, it appears we've discovered a scammer in our midst. Essentially, this bloke posted the real story here noting that the crack (more on that here) actually appeared after it was mishandled and dropped. Haven't we learned this approach doesn't work by now?

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iPhone overheats while docked, fight for replacement begins originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatteryexplosionfireiphonemobileoverheatoverheatingThu, 03 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone overheats while docked, fight for replacement begins]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/iphone-overheats-while-docked-fight-for-replacement-begins/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/iphone-overheats-while-docked-fight-for-replacement-begins/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/03/iphone-overheats-while-docked-fight-for-replacement-begins/#comments
Not even a month after three iPods got all hot and bothered on separate occasions, along comes images showing that even Apple's iPhone isn't immune to melting itself. Purportedly, the handset was purchased from Carphone Warehouse in December, but was never activated for one reason or another. Just this week, the owner's son slapped it in a dock with intentions of activating, walked downstairs to catch the last few minutes of Magnum, P.I. and returned to his room to find a "stupidly hot" iPhone which had already melted in some parts and had its screen cracked from the reaction. Not surprisingly, he's currently in the middle of a runaround trying to get someone to remedy the issue, but thankfully no Earthlings, carpets or IKEA desks were harmed.

Update: Thanks to Logan5's quick eyes, it appears we've discovered a scammer in our midst. Essentially, this bloke posted the real story here noting that the crack (more on that here) actually appeared after it was mishandled and dropped. Haven't we learned this approach doesn't work by now?

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iPhone overheats while docked, fight for replacement begins originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatteryexplosionfireiphoneoverheatoverheatingThu, 03 Apr 2008 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod touch burns from within with fiery passion... and fire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/ipod-touch-burns-from-within-with-fiery-passion-and-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/ipod-touch-burns-from-within-with-fiery-passion-and-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/ipod-touch-burns-from-within-with-fiery-passion-and-fire/#comments
We apologize for the blurriness of the image -- imagine you are looking through the photographer's tears -- but what you see before you is supposedly an esploded iPod touch. Tipster Max S. tells us he had the pleasurable experience of having his touch catch on fire between the glass and the components, which can't have been a fun time for the iPod. The heat managed to burn his desk, and needless to say Max won't be getting any more use out of the thing. Apple has been kind enough to issue a free replacement, and is apparently going to look into the situation to see how much of an anomaly this is. This is of course "hot" on the heels of that iPod nano incident, and while an exploding iPod situation would be bad enough for Apple and consumers, what we're really not looking forward to is the inevitable DOT ban on PMPs. Let's hope these are some isolated incidents, or Apple pays off the right people to hush up about it. There's another blurry shot after the break.

Update: Max wrote back to tell us that Steve Jobs' personal staff is apparently in touch with him after Max emailed Apple about the incident. Supposedly he might be getting some compensation for the ordeal, but doesn't seem quite as chipper about the ordeal as his first email suggested: "Still, my iPod burned. *sad face*" You gotta keep it together, Max!

Update 2: Apple gave Max a £25 (about $50 US) gift certificate to the Apple Store in addition to the replacement he already got for the iPod touch. Is that the happy ending to this sordid tale of destruction and woe?

Continue reading iPod touch burns from within with fiery passion... and fire

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iPod touch burns from within with fiery passion... and fire originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleexplosionfireipodipod touchIpodTouchportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoWed, 12 Mar 2008 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod nano sparks bedroom fire, no humans harmed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/08/ipod-nano-sparks-bedroom-fire-no-humans-harmed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/08/ipod-nano-sparks-bedroom-fire-no-humans-harmed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/08/ipod-nano-sparks-bedroom-fire-no-humans-harmed/#comments
Oddly enough, this isn't the first time we've seen a product proudly designed in Cupertino erupt, but it's pretty safe to say this story could have had a much more tragic ending. Reportedly, an iPod nano owner recently awoke to a blaring fire alarm around 2:00AM, only to find his beloved PMP wrapped in flames on the bedroom floor. Thankfully, the fire was tiny enough to be extinguished without any major trouble, and no substantial damage of property or human flesh was tallied. As of now, we've no idea if the unit simply exploded or if surrounding circumstances are at least partly to blame, but you can bet your bottom dollar that be sleeping with one eye open (and on our media players) tonight.

[Thanks, Sandy]

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iPod nano sparks bedroom fire, no humans harmed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>explosionfirehazardipodipod nanoIpodNanomishapnanoportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoproblemSat, 08 Mar 2008 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung P10 laptop battery "melts" in South Korea]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/24/samsung-p10-laptop-battery-melts-in-south-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/24/samsung-p10-laptop-battery-melts-in-south-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/24/samsung-p10-laptop-battery-melts-in-south-korea/#commentsMerely days after LG put the brakes on sales of its Z1-AE007 laptop due to suspicions of a faulty battery within, yet another lappie in South Korea is making headlines for its overheating, er, abilities. Reportedly, the battery in a P10 computer, produced in 2002, "melted" after inexplicably emitting smoke during use. The device managed to burn a bed and a certain part of the floor, but thankfully, no "big fire" was started. According to company spokesman James Chung, Samsung is now "checking details of the incident," but the actual manufacturer of said battery has yet to be revealed.

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Samsung P10 laptop battery "melts" in South Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterydangerousexplosionfirehazardkorealaptop batteryLaptopBatterymeltmeltedmishapP10problemsamsungsmokesouth koreaSouthKoreaSun, 24 Feb 2008 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[LG halts sale of Z1-AE007 laptop, suspects defective battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/lg-halts-sale-of-z1-ae007-laptop-suspects-defective-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/lg-halts-sale-of-z1-ae007-laptop-suspects-defective-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/lg-halts-sale-of-z1-ae007-laptop-suspects-defective-battery/#commentsIt's not like LG hasn't had issues with its batteries before, and even after confirming that they were unquestionably safe just last week, the firm has suddenly removed its Z1-AE007 from the market after suspecting that faulty batteries may be included. Reportedly, one of said models "caught fire" in Seoul and presumably startled the graduate student who owned it, but a company spokesperson stopped short of proclaiming that a recall was in order. Furthermore, the individual noted that "the matter should be consulted with the battery maker," essentially shoving every ounce of blame as far as humanly possible away from LG.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

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LG halts sale of Z1-AE007 laptop, suspects defective battery originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentbatteriesbatteryexplosionfirelaptop batteryLaptopBatterylgproblemrecallZ1-AE007Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghana man killed by exploding handset?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/28/ghana-man-killed-by-exploding-handset/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/28/ghana-man-killed-by-exploding-handset/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/28/ghana-man-killed-by-exploding-handset/#comments
Truth be told, we aren't exactly inclined to believe this here article is entirely accurate, but nevertheless, Modern Ghana is reporting that a resident was recently killed by an exploding cellphone. Notably, this unfortunate accident wasn't due to a faulty battery, or at least that hasn't been blamed just yet. Rather, the young man simply answered his ringing mobile while it was still plugged into the wall, and seconds later, electricity flowed into the cellphone unrestricted and threw the man back. Reportedly, he was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital, and we're sincerely hoping that investigators get to the root cause of all this if indeed the tale is true.

[Via textually]

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Ghana man killed by exploding handset? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathelectricityenergyexplodeexplodingexplosionghanakillmobileMon, 28 Jan 2008 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T U-verse batteries going supernova]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/atandt-u-verse-batteries-going-supernova/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/atandt-u-verse-batteries-going-supernova/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/atandt-u-verse-batteries-going-supernova/#commentsAT&T U-verse batteries going supernovaAT&T is looking to replace 17,000 backup batteries in U-verse equipment cabinets all over the country over concerns that they can explode. Those are confirmed concerns, too, as there have been four confirmed incidents since October 2006. Explosions have occurred in Houston, Cleveland and Wisconsin; the Wisconsin incident reportedly was strong enough to blow the 50-pound cabinet door off its bolts. The bad news for AT&T is that the battery manufacturer, Avestor, filed for bankruptcy in October 2006 and is no longer in business. What's worse is that a consulting firm hired to examine the first incidents deemed the battery design ok, and chalked up the explosions to "manufacturing defects." So now AT&T has taken it upon itself to spend some big bucks to locate and replace the already-in-service (and obviously widely dispersed) lithium metal polymer batteries.

[Via TVOver, image courtesy of LightReading]

EDIT: Spelling error fixed (thanks, Bryce!) and photo credit changed (thanks, Phil!).

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AT&T U-verse batteries going supernova originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbatteryexplosionWed, 16 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T U-verse batteries going supernova]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/atandt-u-verse-batteries-going-supernova/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/atandt-u-verse-batteries-going-supernova/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/atandt-u-verse-batteries-going-supernova/#commentsAT&T U-verse batteries going supernovaAT&T is looking to replace 17,000 backup batteries in U-verse equipment cabinets all over the country over concerns that they can explode. Those are confirmed concerns, too, as there have been four confirmed incidents since October 2006. Explosions have occurred in Houston, Cleveland and Wisconsin; the Wisconsin incident reportedly was strong enough to blow the 50-pound cabinet door off its bolts. The bad news for AT&T is that the battery manufacturer, Avestor, filed for bankruptcy in October 2006 and is no longer in business. What's worse is that a consulting firm hired to examine the first incidents deemed the battery design ok, and chalked up the explosions to "manufacturing defects." So now AT&T has taken it upon itself to spend some big bucks to locate and replace the already-in-service (and obviously widely dispersed) lithium metal polymer batteries.

[Via TVOver, image courtesy of LightReading]

EDIT: Spelling error fixed (thanks, Bryce!) and photo credit changed (thanks, Phil!).

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AT&T U-verse batteries going supernova originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbatteryexplosionfiberhdu-verseWed, 16 Jan 2008 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[MEMS-based smart fuses could guarantee desired explosions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/23/mems-based-smart-fuses-could-guarantee-desired-explosions/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/23/mems-based-smart-fuses-could-guarantee-desired-explosions/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/23/mems-based-smart-fuses-could-guarantee-desired-explosions/#commentsWhile we certainly hope the average (read: not GI) jane / joe isn't overly concerned about the rate at which homegrown explosions detonate as desired, we understand the Army's need to have more faith in their own munitions. Reportedly, a new "smart fuse" conjured up at Georgia Tech could soon prevent bombs from experiencing fuse failure by using "semiconductor fabrication equipment to make hundreds of ultra-high precision detonators on a wafer at the same time." In addition to cutting down on the use of toxic heavy metals and increasing the safety of weapon production, the intelligent MEMS fuse will supposedly "incorporate built-in arm and fail-safe mechanisms that virtually guarantee that munitions go off when they should, every time." Weapons that fire when needed -- now there's a concept.

[Image courtesy of Rich's Incredible Pyro]

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MEMS-based smart fuses could guarantee desired explosions originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armybombdefenseexplosionfusegeorgia techGeorgiaTechgthttp:www.engadget.com20071223mems-based-smart-fuses-could-memsmicroelectromechanical systemsMicroelectromechanicalSystemsuniversitywarweaponweaponryweaponsSun, 23 Dec 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM sues Shentech for selling volatile counterfeit batteries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/ibm-sues-shentech-for-selling-volatile-counterfeit-batteries/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/ibm-sues-shentech-for-selling-volatile-counterfeit-batteries/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/ibm-sues-shentech-for-selling-volatile-counterfeit-batteries/#commentsIt's not like ThinkPads have been immune to the notorious overheating battery issue, but a fiery incident in Ohio may not be IBM's fault. In a somewhat bizarre tale, it's reported that an Ohioan purchased a replacement battery from Shentech for his ThinkPad, only to later have it overheat, catch on fire and damage his machine. After discovering that the faulty cell was actually a counterfeit, IBM took the liberty of ordering a dozen batteries from the Flushing, New York-based company, and it soon discovered that all twelve received were indeed fakes. As you can probably guess, IBM has filed suit against the outfit and has asked the court to require Shentech to hand over all of its batteries for destruction, profits it made from selling the fakes and a million dollars "per counterfeit mark per type of item sold." That'll teach 'em to mess with Big Blue.

[Via TGDaily]

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IBM sues Shentech for selling volatile counterfeit batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycounterfeitexplodingexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionibmlawsuitlegallenovoShentechsuesuitThinkPadFri, 30 Nov 2007 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploding phone battery not blamed for Korean's death]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/exploding-phone-battery-not-blamed-for-koreans-death/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/exploding-phone-battery-not-blamed-for-koreans-death/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/exploding-phone-battery-not-blamed-for-koreans-death/#commentsThis certainly won't be the first time that an exploding cellphone battery has been pegged with blame before all the facts shook out, but now it seems that the South Korean worker who perished yesterday was in fact not killed by his mobile. Reportedly, the National Institute of Scientific Investigation "said the injuries were too substantial to have been caused by a battery explosion," and an unnamed medical examiner was quoted as saying that it was "difficult to conclude that the damage of internal organs was caused by [the explosion]." Details are still likely to unfold in the coming weeks, as it will be about a fortnight before autopsy results are analyzed and a final conclusion is drawn. Seems that "virtually impossible" notion from LG may be accurate after all, eh?

[Image courtesy of Yonhap News]

Exploding phone battery not blamed for Korean's death originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellphone batteryCellphoneBatterydeathdieexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionkillkoreamobilesouth koreasouth koreanSouthKoreaSouthKoreanThu, 29 Nov 2007 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploding phone battery not blamed for Korean's death]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/exploding-phone-battery-not-blamed-for-koreans-death/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/exploding-phone-battery-not-blamed-for-koreans-death/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/exploding-phone-battery-not-blamed-for-koreans-death/#commentsThis certainly won't be the first time that an exploding cellphone battery has been pegged with blame before all the facts shook out, but now it seems that the South Korean worker who perished yesterday was in fact not killed by his mobile. Reportedly, the National Institute of Scientific Investigation "said the injuries were too substantial to have been caused by a battery explosion," and an unnamed medical examiner was quoted as saying that it was "difficult to conclude that the damage of internal organs was caused by [the explosion]." Details are still likely to unfold in the coming weeks, as it will be about a fortnight before autopsy results are analyzed and a final conclusion is drawn. Seems that "virtually impossible" notion from LG may be accurate after all, eh?

[Image courtesy of Yonhap News]

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Exploding phone battery not blamed for Korean's death originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellphone batteryCellphoneBatterydeathdieexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionkillkoreasouth koreasouth koreanSouthKoreaSouthKoreanThu, 29 Nov 2007 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Tektronix oscilloscopes could catch fire due to volatile Li-ion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/16/tektronix-oscilloscopes-could-catch-fire-due-to-volatile-li-ion/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/16/tektronix-oscilloscopes-could-catch-fire-due-to-volatile-li-ion/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/16/tektronix-oscilloscopes-could-catch-fire-due-to-volatile-li-ion/#commentsWe've seen some strange devices catch fire due to faulty batteries, but this one just may take top honors. Apparently, a pair of Tektronix oscilloscopes (model numbers TDS3000 and TDS3000B) have the potential of catching fire; according to the company, it has received two reports of the units "burning at customer sites." Upon closer inspection, it was noticed that the machines both relied on a TDS3BATB Li-ion battery, which is now carrying the blame for the unexpected blazes. If you or a loved one just so happen to own or use one of these rigs in your everyday life, Tektronix is suggesting that you power it down and stop using the battery until further notice.

[Via TheInquirer]

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Tektronix oscilloscopes could catch fire due to volatile Li-ion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryexplodeexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionexpolodingfirehazardli-ionoscilloscopeoscilloscopesTDS 3000BTds3000bTDS3BATBTektronixTEXTRONIXTue, 16 Oct 2007 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The fun never ends: another Dell up in flames]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/04/the-fun-never-ends-another-dell-up-in-flames/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/04/the-fun-never-ends-another-dell-up-in-flames/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/04/the-fun-never-ends-another-dell-up-in-flames/#comments
Every time we think we've had our fill of these, somebody goes and one-ups the competition with a Dell-fueled inferno of doom. Apparently this one is coming at us from Shanghai, and while we're not sure what anyone is saying on the forum to which these pictures are posted, we're guessing a chorus of "sucks to be you!" and "recalled for a reason" is a solid guess. Check after the break for a couple more pictures, including the stark beauty of the aftermath.

[Thanks, Steve Du]

Continue reading The fun never ends: another Dell up in flames

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The fun never ends: another Dell up in flames originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterydellexplosionfirerecallTue, 04 Sep 2007 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-recalled Nokia phone battery explodes, injures woman]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/03/non-recalled-nokia-phone-battery-explodes-injures-woman/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/03/non-recalled-nokia-phone-battery-explodes-injures-woman/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/03/non-recalled-nokia-phone-battery-explodes-injures-woman/#commentsWhile Nokia and Matsushita were busying settling the disputes that arose when the phone maker had to recall some 46 million handset batteries, a lady in India has been injured by a Nokia-branded cell that's not on that list. Located in eastern India, the woman noted that the BL-D3 series battery "blew up about 10 minutes after it was put on charge," resulting in a "ball of fire" that led to minor burn injuries to the user. According to Nokia, the incident was "isolated," and if it finds that the handset, battery, and charger are original, the 30-year old victim will supposedly be compensated.

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Non-recalled Nokia phone battery explodes, injures woman originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentbatteriesbatteryBL-D3explodeexplodedexplosionfirehazardMatsushitamishapnokiaMon, 03 Sep 2007 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-recalled Nokia phone battery explodes, injures woman]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/03/non-recalled-nokia-phone-battery-explodes-injures-woman/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/03/non-recalled-nokia-phone-battery-explodes-injures-woman/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/03/non-recalled-nokia-phone-battery-explodes-injures-woman/#commentsWhile Nokia and Matsushita were busying settling the disputes that arose when the phone maker had to recall some 46 million handset batteries, a lady in India has been injured by a Nokia-branded cell that's not on that list. Located in eastern India, the woman noted that the BL-D3 series battery "blew up about 10 minutes after it was put on charge," resulting in a "ball of fire" that led to minor burn injuries to the user. According to Nokia, the incident was "isolated," and if it finds that the handset, battery, and charger are original, the 30-year old victim will supposedly be compensated.

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Non-recalled Nokia phone battery explodes, injures woman originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentbatteriesbatteryexplodeexplodedexplodingexplosionfirehazardMatsushitamishapmobilenokiaperipheralsMon, 03 Sep 2007 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone meltdown occurs during hardware hack]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/iphone-meltdown-occurs-during-hardware-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/iphone-meltdown-occurs-during-hardware-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/iphone-meltdown-occurs-during-hardware-hack/#comments
Not that it doesn't completely go without saying, but whenever you start hacking any battery-powered portable device, you need to freaking be careful. Otherwise you might end up like dude here who was pulling a Geohot on his iPhone when short circuited and became red hot, releasing the magic smoke hither locked inside the device's electronics. Lesson learned: you take your phone, even your life, into your own hands when screwing with components, so be gentle and careful, will you?

[Via Engadget Spanish]

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iPhone meltdown occurs during hardware hack originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleexplosionhackiphonemobileunlockSat, 01 Sep 2007 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone meltdown occurs during hardware hack]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/iphone-meltdown-occurs-during-hardware-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/iphone-meltdown-occurs-during-hardware-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/01/iphone-meltdown-occurs-during-hardware-hack/#comments
Not that it doesn't completely go without saying, but whenever you start hacking any battery-powered portable device, you need to freaking be careful. Otherwise you might end up like dude here who was pulling a Geohot on his iPhone when short circuited and became red hot, releasing the magic smoke hither locked inside the device's electronics. Lesson learned: you take your phone, even your life, into your own hands when screwing with components, so be gentle and careful, will you?

[Via Engadget Spanish]

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iPhone meltdown occurs during hardware hack originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleexplosionhackiphoneunlockSat, 01 Sep 2007 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia holds Matsushita responsible for faulty batteries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/nokia-holds-matsushita-responsible-for-faulty-batteries/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/nokia-holds-matsushita-responsible-for-faulty-batteries/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/nokia-holds-matsushita-responsible-for-faulty-batteries/#commentsC'mon, you didn't think Nokia was just going to sit around with 46 million bum batteries on its hands and not play the blame game, didya? Reportedly, when Nokia's worldwide CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo was asked whether Matsushita (the batteries' manufacturer) would be held liable for the fiasco, he responded by saying that the firm was "investigating" the issue, and noted "...of course they are responsible to us." Currently, Nokia has yet to divulge what kind of financial impact this whole mess will have on the company, but it's apparently planning to pass along at least some of the connected costs to Matsushita. Furthermore, Nokia's chief refused to comment when asked about the future relationship between the two outfits, but we're sure true feelings will become evident in due time.

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Nokia holds Matsushita responsible for faulty batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatteryexplosionexplosivefightMatsushitamobilenokiaperipheralsThu, 23 Aug 2007 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia holds Matsushita responsible for faulty batteries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/nokia-holds-matsushita-responsible-for-faulty-batteries/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/nokia-holds-matsushita-responsible-for-faulty-batteries/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/nokia-holds-matsushita-responsible-for-faulty-batteries/#commentsC'mon, you didn't think Nokia was just going to sit around with 46 million bum batteries on its hands and not play the blame game, didya? Reportedly, when Nokia's worldwide CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo was asked whether Matsushita (the batteries' manufacturer) would be held liable for the fiasco, he responded by saying that the firm was "investigating" the issue, and noted "...of course they are responsible to us." Currently, Nokia has yet to divulge what kind of financial impact this whole mess will have on the company, but it's apparently planning to pass along at least some of the connected costs to Matsushita. Furthermore, Nokia's chief refused to comment when asked about the future relationship between the two outfits, but we're sure true feelings will become evident in due time.

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Nokia holds Matsushita responsible for faulty batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatteryexplosionexplosivefightMatsushitanokiaThu, 23 Aug 2007 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadly blast rocks Virgin Galactic rocket test]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/deadly-blast-rocks-virgin-galactic-rocket-test/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/deadly-blast-rocks-virgin-galactic-rocket-test/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/deadly-blast-rocks-virgin-galactic-rocket-test/#comments
This week is quickly becoming a tough one for the aerospace industry, as just a day after NASA reported tampering on an ISS bound computer, an explosion at the Mojave Air and Space Port has claimed two lives and seriously injured four others. The blast reportedly occurred during a "test of a new rocket motor for SpaceShipTwo -- a spaceship being built for Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson's space tourism company." According to a spokeswoman for the spaceport, the blast was "on a remote pad" at an airport home to Scaled Composite (which is the builder of the first private manned rocket to reach space), but the firm's founder Burt Rutan wasn't in attendance when the "cold fire test" went awry.

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Deadly blast rocks Virgin Galactic rocket test originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerospaceairportblastburt rutanBurtRutandeathexplosionkillkilledkillsrichard bransonRichardBransonrocketScaled CompositesScaledCompositesspacecraftspaceportvirginVirgin GalacticVirginGalacticFri, 27 Jul 2007 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Counterfeit flashlight batteries recalled due to fire hazard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/18/counterfeit-flashlight-batteries-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/18/counterfeit-flashlight-batteries-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/18/counterfeit-flashlight-batteries-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard/#commentsUnfortunately for those 4,400 or so owners of the Xenon Aluminum flashlight sold at Sportsman's Warehouse, the recall wagon has come your way, and unless you have no fear of exploding batteries, we'd suggest you power it off at your earliest convenience. Interestingly enough, this case involves more than just a faulty design, as the Panasonic CR123A Industrial Lithium batteries packed within are believed to be counterfeits, and it comes as no surprise that these knockoffs "can overheat and rupture, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers." So, if you happen to own the six-, nine-, or twelve-volt version of these here devices, it looks like you'll be making an unwanted trip out to Sportsman's Warehouse before long.

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Counterfeit flashlight batteries recalled due to fire hazard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterycounterfeitexplodingbatteriesexplosionexplosivebatteriesfire hazardFireHazardflashlighthazardknockoffoverheatoverheatingpanasonicrecallsportsman's warehouseSportsman'sWarehouseWed, 18 Jul 2007 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese welder killed by exploding cellphone battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/chinese-welder-killed-by-exploding-cellphone-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/chinese-welder-killed-by-exploding-cellphone-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/chinese-welder-killed-by-exploding-cellphone-battery/#commentsIt's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and unfortunately, the latest case of exploding battery syndrome led to something far worse than a minor injury. Reportedly, a 22-year old Chinese welder actually perished after a cellphone battery residing in his pocket exploded. The eruption was so violent, in fact, that it "broke a rib and drove the remnants of the pack into his heart," and while rescue crews were able to get him to a hospital, he passed away shortly thereafter. Currently, the manufacturer of the phone and battery are being withheld, but expects in Jinta were dispatched in order to conduct an investigation.

[Via Inquirer, image courtesy of ABC]

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Chinese welder killed by exploding cellphone battery originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 05:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellphone batteryCellphoneBatterychinesedeathexplodingexploding batteriesexploding batteryExplodingBatteriesExplodingBatteryexplosioninjurykillmishapweldingThu, 05 Jul 2007 05:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese welder killed by exploding cellphone battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/chinese-welder-killed-by-exploding-cellphone-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/chinese-welder-killed-by-exploding-cellphone-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/chinese-welder-killed-by-exploding-cellphone-battery/#commentsIt's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and unfortunately, the latest case of exploding battery syndrome led to something far worse than a minor injury. Reportedly, a 22-year old Chinese welder actually perished after a cellphone battery residing in his pocket exploded. The eruption was so violent, in fact, that it "broke a rib and drove the remnants of the pack into his heart," and while rescue crews were able to get him to a hospital, he passed away shortly thereafter. Currently, the manufacturer of the phone and battery are being withheld, but expects in Jinta were dispatched in order to conduct an investigation.

[Via Inquirer, image courtesy of ABC]

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Chinese welder killed by exploding cellphone battery originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellphone batteryCellphoneBatterychinesedeathexplodingexploding batteriesexploding batteryExplodingBatteriesExplodingBatteryexplosioninjurykillmishapmobileweldingThu, 05 Jul 2007 00:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Kodak demolishes building, cameras still kinda suck]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/kodak-demolishes-building-cameras-still-kinda-suck/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/kodak-demolishes-building-cameras-still-kinda-suck/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/kodak-demolishes-building-cameras-still-kinda-suck/#comments
Kodak seems pretty friggin proud of the fact that they imploded an old facility Saturday for no other reason than to "highlight" its EasyShare All-in-One printer line -- which is both odd and fine, but certainly they could have used the occasion to introduce some cameras that aren't, well, kind of sucky? (See, we're still waiting for it to make good on that one video.) Either way, we're most disappointed by the fact that Kodak didn't seem to find any irony in a photography company blowing something up. Thank you, thank you, we'll be here all week.

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Kodak demolishes building, cameras still kinda suck originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 03:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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