Snap Recalls Flying Selfie Camera For Being Too Fire—And Not In A Good Way

Image via Snap

Snapchat’s journey into the skies has been rather turbulent, with the latest development involving a nationwide recall of its Pixy drone. This palm-sized gadget, designed to literally take users’ selfies off the ground, will no longer fly high due to concerns over its battery overheating—a scenario that could lead to the hottest photos yet, but at what cost?

Launched in April 2022, the Pixy was Snap’s bold attempt to redefine what it means to be a “camera company,” offering users a new perspective by capturing moments from the air. Despite its initial buzz and the creative potential it promised, Snap discontinued the device just four months post-launch, a move that now seems prescient given its blazing predicament.

Gen Z’s wish to capture “fire” shots might have thus manifested. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Snap itself have now advised against using, charging, or even holding onto the drone’s batteries after four reports emerged of them overheating. These incidents include a battery fire and a minor injury, prompting a complete recall of the product.

Image via Pixy

“Consumers should immediately stop using the Pixy Flying Camera, remove the battery and stop charging it,” the CPSC warns.

For those who’ve invested in this aerial adventure—whether through the purchase of the drone itself, its flight pack bundle, extra charger and battery combo, or spare batteries—Snap is offering refunds. Prices for these items ranged from US$16 for spare batteries to US$250 for the drone.

To initiate a refund, customers should visit Snap’s Pixy support site, where they will find steps for returning their cameras and safely disposing of the batteries. The recall touches all units sold on Snapchat’s Pixy website and Amazon from May 2022 through December 2023. 

[via Digital Trends, TechCrunch, Gizmodo, images via various sources]