In a high-profile safety action, the United States startup Snap recalled all Pixy selfie drone models after just four months on the market. The decision followed concerns that the drone batteries could pose a fire hazard, leading regulators and the company to remove more than 70,000 devices from shelves. The recall was documented by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and underscored the rapid regulatory response to potential battery safety risks in consumer electronics.
Pixy is a compact, pocketable quadcopter that was marketed primarily for self-portraits. It weighs 101 grams with the removable battery included, and its design emphasizes portability and ease of use. The drone connects to a smartphone and automatically captures a sequence of photos or records short videos without the need for manual piloting. When it first launched, Pixy carried a price around $250, positioning it as a convenient, on-the-go imaging tool for casual users who want quick, high-quality selfies from unique angles.
The recall centered on incidents involving battery swelling, which in some cases escalated into fires and resulted in minor injuries. The safety issues highlighted the importance of battery integrity in small, lightweight devices where energy density and thermal management are critical, especially for devices intended to be carried or stored in everyday settings. Retailers and the company cooperated with authorities to ensure affected units could be removed from consumer hands and that corrective steps would be taken quickly.
Snap offered refunds to Pixy owners as part of the recall, with a minimum reimbursement of $185 provided upon return of the device, even if customers no longer had a receipt. In addition to the monetary remedy, the company issued guidance encouraging proper handling of batteries and disposal, advising customers not to place used Pixy cells into standard battery recycling containers. This precaution reflects best practices for preventing potential thermal events during battery collection and transport.
Industry observers note that the Pixy recall follows a broader pattern where consumer electronics—especially compact, camera-centric devices—must balance performance with robust safety mechanisms for lithium-ion batteries. The incident serves as a reminder to manufacturers about the critical role of rigorous battery testing, clear user instructions, and transparent communications during a product’s lifecycle, from launch through warranty and eventual recall if necessary. It also illustrates how regulatory bodies monitor consumer products and coordinate with makers to protect public safety while minimizing disruption to users who rely on these devices for everyday activities.
In related industry news, automotive manufacturers have also faced recalls tied to advanced driver assistance systems and autopilot features. Earlier reports indicated that Tesla had recalled more than 2 million electric vehicles due to concerns tied to autopilot functionality, underscoring a broader trend of safety-focused recalls across technology-driven sectors. The convergence of consumer electronics and automotive safety highlights the growing importance of cross-industry scrutiny on software updates, sensor integration, and secure battery and power systems. These developments collectively emphasize that public safety remains a priority as devices become smarter, smaller, and more capable in everyday life.