Amazon has begun sending emails to the owners of its true Echo Buds wireless headphones, warning those customers to update the device’s firmware as soon as possible to avoid a “potential security risk.”
“We recently determined that in exceptional cases Echo Buds may overheat during the charging process,” says the email. According to Amazon, the latest software update eliminates this problem and “improves the long-term performance of Echo Buds batteries.” Android Central first reported in email.
The Amazon email doesn’t mention if there have been any real-world overheating incidents related to the Echo Buds. I asked the company if they are aware of any or if this problem was discovered internally. Amazon is urging anyone who has purchased the Echo Buds from someone else as a gift to alert them to this situation.
“The upgrade makes the device more efficient and monitors performance to optimize how and when it charges. Both improve the long-term health of the battery, “said an Amazon spokesperson. The edge Via email.
As long as you have firmware 318119151 or higher, it should be clean. To check what software your Echo Buds are running, open your Alexa app and go to Devices, then Echo and Alexa, then Echo Buds, and finally choose “About”.
Amazon automatically applies updates when your Echo Buds are paired with your phone. But if you don’t have the latest update yet, here is how to start it:
Open the lid of the box with the Echo Buds inside and confirm that they are connected to Bluetooth on your phone and the Alexa app
· Check that your Echo Buds and their case are at least 30 percent charged
Close the lid of the box with the Echo Buds inside and keep it within the Bluetooth range of your phone for 30 minutes
· Verify that the software version is 318119151 or higher, following the instructions above
It appears that in some circumstances the Echo Buds were charging too heavily on the case. The headphones provide up to five hours of continuous battery life, totaling 20 hours when included with case recharges. You can also charge them for 15 minutes to get up to two hours of listening time. None of that really stands out as unusual or technically impressive compared to the competition. Echo Buds are charged via Micro USB.
Amazon’s headphones offer hands-free access to the company’s Alexa voice assistant, and also feature Bose noise reduction technology. Although they didn’t make our guide to wireless headphones, the Echo Buds have remained a very good buy, as long as they can be used safely.
The Echo Buds currently show a delivery date of August 14 on the Amazon website. At least for now, that page doesn’t mention the overheating problem.
