Samsung to block remaining Galaxy Note 7s from working

News Wireless Global 12 DEC 2016
Samsung to block remaining Galaxy Note 7s from working

Samsung will release a software update for its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone from 19 December that will stop all remaining devices in circulation from working. The company said it will be distributed within 30 days to further increase participation in the Note7 refund and exchange programme. Samsung's update will stop the smartphone from charging, rendering it useless unless attached to a power charger. 

Samsung had overwhelming participation in the programme so far, with more than 93 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices returned. Together with its carrier partners, Samsung will notify consumers through multiple touchpoints to encourage any remaining Galaxy Note7 owners to participate in the programme and to take advantage of the financial incentives available.

Verizon said it will not take part in Samsung's latest update for the Galaxy Note7 because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note7 users that do not have another device to switch to. The operator said it will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season.

Verizon and Samsung communicated the need for customers with a Note7 to immediately stop using their devices and return or exchange it where they purchased it. Verizon customers with the Note7 have several options, including an additional USD 100 from Samsung when purchasing one of their other devices.

The other US operators, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile said they would roll out Samsung's udpate. 

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Sprint,  T-Mobile,  Samsung,  Verizon

Regions:

Global

Countries:

United States

Tags:

Customer service, Product specifications & quality, IT - applications, Consumer devices, Consumer

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