Samsung’s Note 7 exploding battery ‘fix’ is a 60 percent limit

Samsung has a “quick fix” in the works for stubborn Galaxy Note 7 owners who don’t want to return their devices, despite the global recall over batteries that might potentially explode. The company will roll out a software update on September 20th in South Korea that will limit the Note 7’s battery to a 60 percent charge, which will hopefully prevent overheating, the AP reports.

We still don’t know if and when Samsung plans to deliver a similar update to international users, but it’s probably a safe bet, since it will reduce further liability from consumer injury. Similarly, it’s unclear if Samsung will make the update mandatory to Note 7 users in South Korea. Again, I would be surprised if it does. Samsung plans to start issuing new Note 7 models with updated batteries during the week of September 19th.

The Galaxy Note 7 launch has pretty much been a disaster for Samsung, with dozens of reports about phones exploding and injuring users. Ironically, the phone was also one of Samsung’s most well-reviewed devices. The company is now working with the US government on an official recall in America, following a note from the Consumer Product Safety Commission which urged users not to use the Galaxy Note 7. For now, Samsung suggests that Note 7 owners don’t charge or turn on their phones.

A battery limit isn’t the most high-tech fix, and it’s unclear if that’s enough to actually avoid explosion issues entirely. But Samsung can’t afford to be dogged by continued stories of its flagship phones hurting users.

Source: AP

Over 70 Galaxy Note 7 phones have overheated in the US alone

When Samsung first issued an official statement about the Galaxy Note 7’s battery issue, the company said there were 35 cases of phones overheating from around the globe. Well, we’re way past that number now. According to the Canadian government, the company has received over 70 reports in the US alone. See, Samsung teamed up with Health Canada to help it get the recall ball rolling in the country. In an effort to convince consumers to return their shiny new phones that might suddenly explode, the government agency added that tidbit in the report.

Those 70-plus cases include a few high-profile ones you may have seen in the news lately. A man in Florida said his Jeep Cherokee went up in flames after a Note 7 exploded inside, while a six-year-old boy from Brooklyn suffered burns when a Note 7 blew up in his hands. Although 70 cases may not seem like that many, the Consumer Product Safety Commission already issued an official warning asking people to stop using the device. Various airlines all over the globe also banned passengers from using the phone on their planes.

Swapping your Note 7 for a loaner phone or a new one that’s been declared safe really sounds like the best option at this point. If you haven’t looked it up yet, check out Samsung’s explanation on how recalls will work within the US and ask your carrier what your choices are.

Via: The Verge, Android Police

Source: Healthy Canadians

Samsung plans formal Note 7 recall with the US government

While Samsung has already announced its own recall and replacement program for the Galaxy Note 7, following reports about the phone’s potentially explosive batteries, it hasn’t yet gone through the formal process with the US government. It looks like that’s about to change soon, as Recode reports that Samsung is finally working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission around an official recall. There’s no announcement just yet, but it should hopefully mean that Samsung is able to ensure a more thorough recall of the Note 7 than it can on its own.

For now, both Samsung and the CPSC are pushing Galaxy Note 7 customers to avoid using or charging their devices. According to Samsung, only 24 in a million devices are affected by the potential fire risk. But do you really want to play Russian roulette with a device that’s in your pocket or right by your face?

“CPSC and Samsung are working cooperatively to formally announce an official recall of the devices, as soon as possible,” the agency said in a statement to Recode. “CPSC is working quickly to determine if a replacement Galaxy Note 7 is an acceptable remedy for Samsung or their phone carriers to provide to consumers.”

Source: Recode

FAA officially warns against using Galaxy Note 7 on airplanes

Samsung’s slightly explosive new phone is drawing more critical attention, this time from the FAA. The government agency has apparently heard about the Galaxy Note 7 recall, and after some consideration issued a statement. The FAA “strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage.” According to Gizmodo, the FAA will update its statement as more info becomes available, so even this might not be the end of things.

FAA Statement on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Devices https://t.co/NADpT5Jma4 pic.twitter.com/e9uJvNmUUq

— The FAA (@FAANews) September 8, 2016

Source: FAA

Australian airlines ban use of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7

Australian airlines Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have told passengers not to power up or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on its planes. “We are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them in flight,” Qantas told Reuters in a statement. The companies weren’t ordered to do so by aviation authorities in the nation, but did so on their own accord in light of Samsung Australia’s recall.

The ban may get a lot wider, as the FAA is reportedly considering its options. A spokesman told Gizmodo by email that “if the device is recalled by the manufacturer, airline crew and passengers will not be able to bring recalled batteries or electronics that contain recalled batteries in the cabin of an aircraft, or in carry-on and checked baggage.”

@latikambourke Qantas made announcement on flight today…no charging Samsung Note 7 on plane

— Dean Cabena (@dcabena77) September 6, 2016

Samsung has, of course, already recalled the device, but it didn’t do it the usual way. Instead of arranging it officially through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), it’s doing the recall itself. Consumer Reports specifically called out Samsung for that move, and the CPSC is considering making it more official, according to Recode.

With the recall and the fact that Galaxy Note 7 sales were stopped just two weeks after it shipped, the ban won’t affect too many folks. However, there are still reportedly between 1 million and 2.5 million devices in the wild, and many people may wait to do the exchange.

It’s nice that airlines have blocked the phones use of their own accord, given the obvious potential for catastrophe. However, Samsung has obviously created a lot of confusion by going around official channels, so it may be time for authorities in the US and elsewhere to step in.

Source: Reuters, SMH