Recently, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 became a subject of recalls after it exploded. Samsung attributed the defect to the manufacturing of the battery. Despite these risks, smartphone users still held on to their handsets. Instrumental conducted an investigation and discovered that there was a fault in the phone design.
For current users of the Note 7, you only have a few days left as Samsung has announced the death of the Galaxy Note 7. Starting December 19, Samsung will be issuing an update that will stop the handset from charging which makes it virtually useless. The disabling of the handset takes effect next week for all users of the handset in the US. With 93 percent of all Note 7 already returned, the Korean firm is making this drastic decision to ensure that the remaining handsets are returned as well.
To confirm the sad news, Samsung has issued this statement:
"To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19 that will prevent US Galaxy Note 7 devices from charging thus eliminating their ability to work as mobile devices. If you have not yet returned your device, you should immediately power it down and contact your carrier to obtain a refund or exchange."
In Europe, the update issued on December 15 will prevent the battery from charging to more than 30 percent. In the US, the update will stop the battery from charging to more than 60 percent. In countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the Galaxy Note 7 has turned into expensive paperweights.
Earlier this year, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a formal recall order to the over one million US-based owners of the Note 7. The recall stemmed from the more than 90 reports of overheating, 26 incidents of burns, 55 reports of property damage, and fires in a car and garage.
To remedy the situation, Samsung issued new batteries for the Note 7 but even those were defective. As a result, Samsung finally halted sales of the Galaxy Note 7 in October.