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Samsung Galaxy Note 7 too unsafe to use — U.S. agency

The company says new Note 7 phones will not be available until after the CPSC finishes its “process”, but owners can exchange the Note 7s now for a different model.

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Shares in Samsung Electronics plummeted on Monday after the technology giant recalled its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone following issues with the device’s battery. Airlines across the globe asked commuters to keep their phones in checked baggage, while others banned the use of the device on flights. The latest statement from the company puts things more clearly: “We are asking users to power down their Galaxy Note7s and exchange them now”.

As concern grew over the battery catching fire, with more cases reported last week, Samsung on Sunday escalated its warning, telling Note 7 users around the world to immediately turn the device off.

In the USA, replacement devices will be issued to exchange program participants upon completion of the CPSC process.

The phone has batteries that “pack a lot of power” and can burst when they overheat, the consumer watchdog said. According to its investigation, the company believes that the Note 7’s rechargeable Lithium Ion battery is at fault in causing the fires.

Samsung further informed, “To participate in the U.S. Note7 Product Exchange Program, you should contact your carrier or visit the retail outlet where you purchased your phone”. It also said it was working with Samsung and hoped to have an official recall “as soon as possible”.

“Passengers have also been advised not to stow them in their checked-in baggage”, said B S Bhullar, Director General of Civil Aviation, in a statement.

Three other airlines – Singapore Airlines, Australia’s Qantas, and Virgin Australia – have instituted bans on the device as well.

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On Sept. 2, Samsung Electronics said in Seoul that it has chose to recall all of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones sold worldwide as some of the gadgets were founded faulty in battery.

Samsung tells Korean customers to stop using Galaxy Note 7