Xtra is canceling preorders and issuing full refunds for its unreleased Xtra Muse 2 Pro gimbal camera amid federal scrutiny and national security investigations, according to company statements and regulatory notices viewed by Mashable. The abrupt halt arrives after the Federal Communications Commission levied a $25,000 fine against the hardware maker, throwing the future of its flagship product line into doubt.
Xtra Cancels Muse 2 Pro Preorders Amid FCC Fine
Customers who paid a $20 reservation fee for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro are receiving full refunds along with a 10 percent discount coupon applicable to other products in the company’s current lineup, as reported by Mashable. The manufacturer announced the reversal via its official website and direct customer emails, citing unresolved questions regarding product and launch readiness. “Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers’ funds should remain on hold,” the company stated. Despite taking deposits, Xtra never published a prospective street date for the device, drawing criticism across social media platforms.
The cancellation coincides with escalating regulatory pressure from Washington. According to federal filings, the FCC recently fined Xtra $25,000 after the company—alongside seven other firms—failed to respond to mandatory government inquiries regarding whether their imported hardware belongs on the national prohibited equipment list. Regulators are now weighing whether to retroactively ban previously approved hardware imported by the company.
Investigators Scrutinize Ties to Banned Hardware Maker DJI
The regulatory scrutiny follows sweeping federal restrictions targeting China-based drone and camera manufacturer DJI due to national security and data-spying concerns, as detailed in previous Mashable reporting. While legacy DJI devices sold prior to the ban remain legal to trade and operate, the U.S. government has blocked the importation and approval of any new DJI hardware. Following those restrictions, Xtra emerged last year with a portfolio of imaging devices bearing striking resemblances to established DJI models.
Online sleuths and industry publications like The Verge have previously investigated potential corporate ties, dubbing Xtra a rumored “DJI front company” established to bypass federal import blocks. The Xtra Muse 2 Pro visually mirrors DJI’s unreleased Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera, featuring near-identical physical dimensions save for minor design alterations. While DJI has aggressively pursued domestic competitors like Insta360 through patent litigation, the company has remained silent regarding Xtra’s product similarities, intensifying speculation across the consumer tech sector.
Hardware Alternatives for U.S. Consumers
With the commercial viability of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro now in question, American creators seeking compact gimbal cameras face a shifting marketplace. As federal regulators evaluate retroactive import bans on Xtra products, buyers shut out of upcoming device rollouts are pivoting to compliant alternatives. Models such as the Insta360 Luna Ultra remain fully available for purchase within the United States, as the brand operates outside the scope of current federal prohibitions.
Did you know?
The FCC’s recent enforcement actions target eight separate companies that failed to submit requested compliance data regarding their supply chains and imported electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Xtra cancel preorders for the Muse 2 Pro?
According to company statements, Xtra paused its Early Bird program due to uncertainties surrounding product and launch readiness, electing to return customer deposits rather than keep funds on hold without a verified release schedule.
Is DJI completely banned in the United States?
The U.S. government has effectively blocked the importation and certification of new DJI products due to national security concerns, though devices sold before the ban can still be legally bought and used.
What happens to customers who already paid a reservation fee?
Xtra is issuing full refunds for the $20 deposits alongside a 10 percent discount coupon valid for other items in the company’s existing product catalog, according to customer emails viewed by Mashable.
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