New iPod nano fires spark concern in Japan

The Japanese government has taken a serious interest in iPod nano defects following three separate fires this year, the Wall Street Journal reports. Hiroyuki Yoshitsune, an official from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, says that a pair of Nanos recently overheated in Tokyo, scorching a straw mat in one case and paper in a second. These incidents surround another from March, in which sparks were caught erupting from a Nano.

The government says it has in fact contacted Apple Japan about the incidents, and is working with the corporation to uncover the root cause. The source of the fires is currently believed to be the players' lithium-ion batteries, which have been shown to overheat during recharge. Yoshitsune has however refused to reveal the maker of the suspect batteries, and says it is unclear if they are the default ones shipped by Apple. Apple is to investigate the allegations and then report back.

Outside of Japan, a first-generation Nano also recently shot sparks, this time after just 10 minutes of charging from a notebook. It is worried that the problem could widespread, posing danger of more damaging fires prior to a recall.

Filed under: iPod, troubleshooting, Apple
Other story tags: iPod nano, japan