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.
Full article https://www.engadget.com/
