Apple Ordered to Post Battery Replacement Details for First-Generation iPod Nano in Japan

[MacRumors]

Reuters reports that Apple has been ordered by a Japanese regulatory agency to provide customers with information on receiving replacement batteries for their first-generation iPod nanos, citing fire risk from overheating batteries.

The ministry ordered Apple to publish an "easy to understand" statement online explaining how users of the devices -- responsible for four cases of minor burns in Japan -- can receive replacement batteries and obtain advice, a spokesman for the ministry said on Friday.

The Japanese government began pressing Apple on the issue last week, and the company has reportedly claimed that the issue has been traced to a single battery supplier.

The company said on Friday that safety is the highest priority.

"We've worked closely with METI to make sure first-generation iPod nano customers who are concerned with their battery have the latest information," said Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr.

Japanese officials first issued a warning about possible overheating in the first-generation iPod nanos nearly two years ago, but regulators have continued to receive from consumers reports of "fire-related" incidents, prompting the further investigation. The company has long maintained a support document informing users of how to have their concerns address, but the Japanese order goes a step further in making the information more visible and easily understandable.

Article Link: Apple Ordered to Post Battery Replacement Details for First-Generation iPod Nano in Japan

 

[ouimetnick]

Good. Now Apple can't just say "Non issue, just buy the 5th generation iPod nano"

 

[Cubert]

FYI. The first-generation iPod nano was released in September 2005. Yes, 2005.

 

[NewSc2]

huh, I still have one of these.

 

[TheBritishBloke]

4 cases.. Out of the millions sold? These things happen.

 

[niuniu]

Non-issue. Just don't turn it on.

 

[spillproof]

My first gen nano is still kicking even after being tossed from a moving vehicle and run over.

 

[Doctor Q]

It must be hard for a company to stay in compliance with every international authority but that's the price of doing business worldwide. It certainly keeps them on their toes to have so many masters.

 

[SkippyThorson]

My first gen nano is still kicking even after being tossed from a moving vehicle and run over.

I lol'ed. I want a story!

I have second gens that both still work great. My mother plugs it into her Fusion on the way to work, and loves it. It keeps charged via the USB, so I don't know how long the battery life is these days. Mine gets occasional use, as I rotate my iPods. I enjoy them, and use them now and then, and I have no desire or need to upgrade. The classics are still alive and well, folks.

 

[ranReloaded]

Kudos to the people who still rock their first gen nano in this day and age of exponential consummerism frenzy.

 

[0098386]

I still have a 1st and 2nd gen Nano. Gave the 2nd gen Nano to my dad who now uses it for podcasts. The buggers ancient but theres still loads of life in them.

My iPod 5.5G is from 2007. Bought as a graduation gift to myself. Works a treat still! So yea, for some people theres just no point in upgrading. This is a very good move.

 

[longofest]

My 1st generation iPod still works. Yes... that's the scroll wheel and everything, made in 2001. Mind you, I don't really use it... it is now adorning my bookshelf as a collectible, but since we're talking about 'old' things still working.

 

[Corbin052198]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (iPhone; Opera Mini/5.0.019802/19.892; U; en) Presto/2.5.25)

My 1st generation iPod still works. Yes... that's the scroll wheel and everything, made in 2001. Mind you, I don't really use it... it is now adorning my bookshelf as a collectible, but since we're talking about 'old' things still working.

I also have a 1st gen Classic in storage. Granted it doesn't sync and you have to hold the FireWire a certain way to use it, but it still works fully.

 

[jouster]

FYI. The first-generation iPod nano was released in September 2005. Yes, 2005.

Mine still works perfectly.

My 1st generation iPod still works. Yes... that's the scroll wheel and everything, made in 2001. Mind you, I don't really use it...

Mine too. I use it in the office every day. The sound quality is excellent, and battery life doesn't matter since it's always plugged in.