Samsung has asked for the voluntary recall of 2.5 million phablets after reports that at least 35 devices had burst into flames while they were being used. That commission is who handles issuing out recalls for devices in the USA, who would then also allow groups like the FAA know that “hey, this device explodes sometimes”.
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The Galaxy Note 7 is an awesome phone but sometimes things don’t always go to plan.
With the recall and the fact that Galaxy Note 7 sales were stopped just two weeks after it shipped, the ban won’t affect too many folks. Instead of arranging it officially through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), it’s doing the recall itself. Customers can also exchange their Note 7 for a new device of equal or lesser value, with Telus recommending the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. “We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible”.
Samsung has suspended sales of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in multiple countries and third-party retailers, and carriers have imposed the same measure.
“Following Samsung Australia’s recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 personal electronic device we are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them in flight”, a Qantas spokesman said in an emailed statement.
And that, of course, brings up the major problem with banning only the recalled Galaxy Note 7.
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After reports of overheating and battery explosions, Samsung delayed shipments of some of the devices before issuing a recall of the phones last week. The recall is bad timing for Samsung as Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 7 at tonight’s keynote conference in San Francisco. Gizmodo spoke to FAA and a few of U.S. airlines to learn more about the Galaxy Note 7 recall issue.
