Samsung is busy recalling the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone globally as the devices explode and catch fire. But today we hear that the company may ship a software update that will prevent the explosions and help the recall process continue without further incidents.
Earlier this month, Samsung released a statement confirming that the battery inside the Galaxy Note 7 is faulty and that some may overheat and the battery may explode and catch fire while charging. They have since launched a product Exchange Programstopped selling the phone and promised to soon deliver new “safe” units to their owners.
On September 2, just two weeks after its release date, the party collapsed. The Galaxy Note 7 was named the best smartphone of 2016, praised in reviews and selling extremely well. Not anymore. If you’re one of those who still owns the Galaxy Note 7, read on for more information on an upcoming fix software update.
By Yonhap NewsSamsung, which first reported the global recall, is now preparing to release a software update to select Galaxy Note 7 devices that should prevent explosions and fires caused by the device. The problem is that millions of smartphones have been sold and not all owners are aware of the recall. As a result, some are still using the phone, charging it every day, and more crashes have been reported.
A Jeep burned from a charging Galaxy Note 7 over the past week, a kid burned both hands when the other exploded, and these are just two of many different reports.
On or near September 20, Samsung will reportedly release a software update over the air that will essentially halve the Galaxy Note 7 battery life, starting in South Korea. The company hopes that a software update that will limit the battery from charging to only 60% full will prevent overheating and explosions. This is a dangerous situation they are trying to fix and it aims to protect users who own the phone and don’t know about the recall.
An exploding faulty Galaxy Note 7
Essentially the Galaxy Note 7 battery heats up while charging, this is due to all phones, but a faulty component inside fails and the end result is a phone that can swell or even explode. These phones are like a ticking time bomb until they are replaced. By limiting the battery to 60% charge, the phone won’t get too hot, and Samsung hopes no more devices ignite.
We still don’t know if Samsung will release a similar update for other regions around the world, but it’s probably a good idea. We’re assuming this will be a mandatory software update that is sent to all devices manually, but this has yet to be confirmed. A report suggested that Samsung should add a notification to the update and alert all owners in the notification bar that the device is going through a recall process and that the device should be returned to the place of purchase.
Currently, Samsung’s latest statement strongly advises all owners to immediately stop using the phone, do not try to recharge it, and turn it off. This update will prevent more crashes for those unaware of the recall.
We have good news though, Samsung will reportedly have brand new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones that they will distribute to their owners starting September 19. We’ve heard of a similar date before, but most will probably wait until early October as supply will be extremely limited. YonHap News also claims that Samsung will launch an apology ad campaign in the near future.
We don’t have any other details at the moment, but things seem to be on the right track. Samsung has an update that can prevent more fires or explosions, new devices are coming soon and more. Stay tuned, we’ll update as soon as we know more.
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