Popular action camera maker GoPro has announced the recall of its new Karma drone over safety concerns. The Karma drone was launched in September along with two new cameras amid much fanfare.
The $799 Karma drone was recalled after reports of several units losing power during operation. Owners of Karma can return their units to GoPro for a full refund.
“Safety is our top priority,” said GoPro CEO Nicholas Woodman. “A very small number of Karma owners have reported incidents of power failure during operation. We have moved quickly to recall all units of Karma and provide a full refund while we investigate the issue.”
GoPro said it is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Federal Aviation Administration for smooth return and refund process.
If you purchased Karma from the GoPro website, you can reach the phone helpline to initiate the refund. For purchases that were made through Best Buy, you need to reach them directly. Not just the drone, users will also get refund for Karma-related accessories you may have purchased.
GoPro first announced that it planned to make its own drone in May 2015 and had planned for it to go on sale in the first half of this year. By mid-September GoPro unveiled Karma while introducing new Hero5 cameras.
The commercial foldable drones went on sale 0n October 23. It was priced at priced at $799 and boasted of simple joystick, touch-screen controls, and an image-stabilizing grip to hold Hero cameras. The drone’s stabiliser can also be attached to a handheld grip.
Some 2,500 Karma drones have been sold since the launch. The recall saw GoPro’s shares decline to 6% in after-hours trading on Tuesday.