Nest recalling 440,000 smoke detectors due to safety bug

Nest is recalling 440,000 smoke detectors due to a glitch that causes the internet-connected alarm to fail when users wave their hands at system. The Nest Protect Smoke + CO system is equipped with a silencing feature that mutes its alarm when users wave their hands near its vent, however a bug could possibly prevent the system from sounding off in a timely manner. To remedy this issue, the company is sending out a firmware update to disable the gesture control feature and notes that the smoke alarm needs to be connected to the internet in order to receive the software fix.

This recall applies to all Protect Smoke + CO systems according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, so no Nest smoke detector is exempt. Customers who already have their device online can verify that their smoke alarm’s software is up to date by going to Nest Sense and making sure that the Nest Wave button is disabled and grayed out.

Earlier this year, Google bought Nest for $3.2 billion. The search giant recently started selling its smart thermostat on Google Play and was reportedly looking to recruit engineers to further develop its newly acquired brand.

(via Business Insider)