14 DAY TRIAL // Barnes & Noble has apparently made the decision to pull all remaining Android tablets from its stores due to faulty chargers. The Nook tablet was launched just two months ago, as an affordable Android-running tablet for Barnes & Noble customers.
The tablet was priced at $49.99 and it was launched just before the holidays. The tablet is no longer available on Barnes & Noble’s online store, and brick and mortar stores are no longer selling it either.
A faulty charging adapter seems to be the reason behind this recall. The company has apparently received three complaints about the charging adapter casing which has a tendency to break apart when plugged in. Those who own such a tablet should avoid using the adapter, as it could be dangerous. The tablet can still be charged by plugging in the microUSB cable into a computer or power bank.
Barnes & Noble is in talks with the CPSC
In a recent statement, the company has said that the faulty adapter doesn’t affect the tablet itself and that Barnes & Noble is currently working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to determine the details of a public product recall.
“Barnes & Noble is investigating three reported cases involving the adapter sold with the NOOK Tablet® 7”. The specific issue involves the adapter casing breaking apart while still in the socket. This does not affect the NOOK® device itself. With no injuries reported and out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that customers stop using the adapter until we provide a replacement adapter.”
The company should find a reliable supplier of AC chargers soon and should be able to repackage existing tablets soon, before relaunching sales. End users who already purchased the device will most likely receive replacement adapters.
Last month, the 7-inch Nook Tablet was reported to have contained ADUPS malicious software, which sent out personal data like contacts, calls and locations to servers in China, without informing the owner.