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Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Users Should Stop Using, Charging Devices, CPSC Says

And on Friday, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission urged owners of the phone to turn them off and leave them off.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission telling people power them down stop charging or using the device as Samsung has reported that 35 batteries have exploded in the past three weeks.

A comprehensive USA ban on using the Note 7 on airplanes could be triggered by an official recall on the product.

The CPSC said it is working with Samsung to issue a formal recall and to figure out whether a replacement Galaxy Note7 could be “an acceptable remedy”.

Lithium-ion batteries that typically power these devices have the potential to overheat or short-circuit if they are defective, mishandled, or not packed properly.

The phones use lithium ion batteries, which safety experts say can be a fire risk when used on flights.

In a statement this week, the FAA said it “strongly advises” passengers to follow its guidance “in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices”.

Samsung Australia explains that its new Galaxy Note 7 units will have identifiers on their packaging so that you can tell that they’re new units.

The group stopped short of placing restrictions on batteries contained in devices because any fires that occur are much easier to extinguish. Samsung announced a voluntary recall of the device last week. It said South Korean transportation ministry officials had met with Samsung representatives and did not issue any guidance regarding the phone afterward.

The three biggest USA airlines – American, Delta and United – said Friday that flight attendants will remind passengers of the FAA warning, but it was unclear how they would make sure that passengers keep the Samsung devices powered off. In the wake of these events, a number of aviation regulator authorities have warned against using these devices on airplanes. American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said the company is speaking with the FAA, but had not made any changes in policy for passengers and what technology they can bring on board.

Australian airlines Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have banned passengers from using or charging the Galaxy Note 7 during flights over fire concerns.

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Verizon said it would be waiving its restocking fee for customers who want to return or exchange the Note 7 until September 30. Samsung Australia will also be launching an online database on September 13 that’ll allow consumers to enter the IMEI of their Note 7 to determine if it’s faulty or not.

Screengrab via DetroitBORG  YouTube