Microsoft is preparing to announce a voluntary to replace affecting power cords sold with three generations of its surface pro tablets due to overheating concerns. Microsoft is scheduled to officially announce the recall plans through a statement later this week.
A comprehensive replacement program is going to be recalled for AC power cables of Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 models, sold before July, 2015 in Europe. The recall is due to a possible fire hazard for those cords. Windows Central has forecast that Microsoft will officially announce the recall plans on Friday, January 22.
In the US, Microsoft will provide the free power cord exchanges for Surface Pro, Pro 2 and Pro 3 models sold before March 2015. This will be a worldwide voluntary recall. The site with more information about the specifics of the recall will be available sometime shortly.
Overheating occurs if the AC power cords are wound too tightly, twisted or pinched over an extended period of time. A very small portion of surface pro customers have reported overheating related issues with their AC power cord. But the windows giant plans for releasing detail procedure for obtainment of a free replacement cable, reports ZD Net quoting a spokesperson for Microsoft upon contact through email.
The spokesperson hasn't elaborated further on exactly when the replacement will be offered. If the cords are "sharply or repeatedly bent [or] tightly wrapped", they may be exposed to overheating, reports Neowin quoting Channelnomics Europe.
The spokesperson also adds that the recall will be offered for those tablets, have been sold in the US before March 2015. However, the recall will not affect owners of the non-Pro Surface tablets or the more recently-released Surface Pro 4 model.
Eligible customers intending to obtain a replacement will be directed to a specially constructed website, where they may order one. Affected customers will also be advised to dispose of or recycle their existing power cords safely and in accordance with local regulations.
Surface has appeared as a loss-making product for Microsoft in the 18 months after launch, with the vendor taking a $900m inventory write-down. However, acceptance of the Pro has been growing, particularly since the third generation hit the shelves in summer 2014.
By Q4 2014, two million Surface Pro 3s have been bought by customers. But the total sales figure is currently unavailable.
Microsoft is going to offer a global recall for a voluntary replacement of AC power cords, sold along with three generations of Surface Pro tablets. More bending or tying hard of the AC cords lead to over heating issue which eventually pose risks of getting fire. The replacement offer is applicable for the devices sold before July, 2015 in Europe and before March, 2015in the US market. Details for the AC power cable changing will be furnished in the Microsoft website shortly.
Join the Conversation