iPod Nanos are Hot!...Literally

JAPAN'S industry ministry has ordered Apple to report on measures it will take regarding cases of its iPod Nano music player overheating and catching fire, an official said today.

Overheating of the 2005 iPod Nano while charging has caused at least 27 incidents, including six fires that required firefighters to be called, an official from the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry said.

"Four people burned themselves after they touched the device, which had overheated during charging," he said.

"The ministry repeatedly asked Apple Japan to take market measures, such as giving warnings or recalling the products, but it has failed to do so," he said, adding the ministry issued the order late yesterday.

Apple has sold about 1.6 million units of the first iPod Nano model in Japan.

The ministry also ordered the company to report on incidents not only at home but overseas as well, the spokesman said.