Meta VR Headset's Battery and Strap Accessory Bricks Itself When Charged
Meta has paused shipments of the wearable battery-slash-head strap accessory for its Quest 3 VR goggles amid reports the device bricks itself when charged.
Issues with the Battery and Strap Accessory
Meta has temporarily halted the shipments of its Elite Strap with Battery, which is an accessory for its Quest 3 VR goggles. Users have reported that the device stops working and becomes unresponsive after being charged. Meta has confirmed that the issue lies with the firmware of the battery and strap accessory.
The battery-slash-head strap accessory is designed to make the VR experience more comfortable and extend the battery life of the VR goggles by an additional two hours. However, many users have reported that the device stops charging entirely and becomes unusable.
There have been suggestions that using third-party USB-C cables and chargers may exacerbate the charging issues, but even users who used Meta's supplied cable and charger have experienced the same problem.
Meta's Response and Replacement
Meta has stated that it is working to address the charging issue with the battery and strap accessory. The company will be replacing the units on a case-by-case basis for those who have been affected by the problem.
It appears that Meta has not issued a recall for the accessory, as the issue is related to charging rather than posing a risk to health and safety. Lithium-ion batteries can have various failure modes and can potentially be a fire hazard if not used correctly.
At present, the battery pack accessory is not available for purchase online, with retailers like Amazon and Best Buy indicating that it is out of stock or unavailable.
Lithium-Ion Battery Issues
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics due to their high energy density. However, when they are poorly made, damaged, or charged improperly, they can pose safety risks such as overheating, short circuits, fires, or explosions.
Several high-profile incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have occurred in the past, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery failures that led to a recall of the device. Other companies, like Lenovo and Anker, have also faced battery-related issues and recalls in recent years.
Meta has been approached for comment on the battery and strap accessory issues, and any updates will be provided.
