Samsung reminds users that the battery cell issue only affects Note 7 devices sold in the United States before September 15, so any unit bought after that date should be ok, in theory.
Advertisement
Baxter’s apology came just hours after the Note 7 recall was made official in the U.S.by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which urges existing Note 7 owners to turn off their device and return it to Samsung to be replaced.
There are reports that Samsung will soon push an update for the Note 7 that will cap the battery at 60% charge, which should prevent anymore fires and explosions. “We are asking owners to act now by powering down their Note7 devices and receive a replacement device or a refund through our exchange program”.
The affected phones were sold between August and Thursday and feature a 5.7-inch screen in the following colors: black onyx, blue coral, gold platinum and silver titanium.
Samsung says it received 92 reports of batteries in the popular smartphone overheating in the USA, resulting in 26 instances of burns and 55 of property damage, including fires in cars and a garage, according to the US agency.
Kaye at the consumer safety commission said Note 7 purchasers should check the back of their device for an identifying number, and visit Samsung’s recall website or call a hot line at 1-844-365-6197 to find out if the device needs to be turned in.
Customers can also get a refund for the phone.
Samsung already had initiated a voluntary recall, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stepped in to coordinate.
Advertisement
The recall comes as Samsung is locked in a fierce battle with Apple for the attentions of high-end smartphone purchasers.
