Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Galaxy Note 7 recall, part 2: Samsung admits replacement units are unsafe – Ars Technica

Samsung has just released a public statement telling customers to return all of the Galaxy Note 7s, even the replacement units distributed during the what we will now have to call the “first” Galaxy Note 7 recall.

That’s right—Samsung is issuing a second recall for the Note 7. Even if you’ve returned your phone and gotten a replacement, you need to return the device again.

Here’s Samsung’s statement:

We are working with the relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note 7. Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop the sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 while the investigation is taking place.

We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note 7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.

Samsung’s statement isn’t that strong, so we’ll help out: all Galaxy Note 7s, including the replacements, are unsafe. Return them. Now.

Samsung originally shipped 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7s with batteries that could overheat or explode. The first recall started on Sept. 15 when Samsung ramped up production of the “fixed” (but not fixed) devices and began an exchange program. By Sept. 27, Samsung noted that “more than 60 percent” of devices in the US and South Korea had been exchanged. Sales of “replacement” devices resumed in many territories on Oct. 1.

The first recall excluded countries with differently designed Note 7s, like China. This new notice says the recall is for the “all carrier and retail partners globally.” Essentially every Note 7 out there is unsafe, so Samsung will have much more than the original 2.5 million units to deal with. The next step should be a formal announcement from the CPSC, which has yet to chime in on the second recall.

Samsung has updated the Note 7 recall page, which now says that the “original” and “replacement” Galaxy Note 7s, “can overheat and pose a safety risk.” For most customers, the recall process just involves returning the device to your place of purchase. Samsung lists two options: get a refund or exchange your pocket-bomb for another Samsung device. Getting the Note 7 fixed isn’t listed as an option anymore, which indicates we might be witnessing the total death of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

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