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Samsung urges Galaxy Note 7 phone exchange urgently

Korean smartphone Samsung had to issue a voluntarily issued a recall last week for at least 10 markets, including the United States, after reports surfaced that several Galaxy Note 7s had exploded while users tried to charge the device.

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Consumers can visit Samsung’s service centers to receive rental phones for temporary use.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our customers, which is why we’ve worked hard to provide new replacement Note7 devices as quickly as possible”.

“Many other countries have made similar recommendations banning the use of the Galaxy Note 7 on flights”.

The tech giant said in a statement last week that there had been 35 reported cases of phones with “a battery cell issue” and that it would replace devices that had already been sold.

The statement comes as authorities show particular concern about using the problematic devices on flights because of concerns they could explode.

Earlier this month, Samsung announced an unprecedented recall of 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7s worldwide just two weeks after the phone was launched.

Airline passengers will be banned from using or charging their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phablets on planes, and will not be allowed to keep the devices in their check-in baggages.

An investigation by Samsung found faulty rechargeable lithium batteries from one of its suppliers were the cause of the fires. It also said it was working with Samsung and hoped to have an official recall “as soon as possible”.

Several airlines have asked travelers not to use or charge the smartphones while flying or put them in checked baggage.

The advisory is applicable to all flights operated by AirAsia and its subsidiaries including AirAsia India, an airline spokesperson said.

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The new and “safe” Galaxy Note 7 will have to be inspected and approved by the Consumer Protection Safety Comision in the states, and that means more wasted time.

Air travellers on Samsung phone honour system after fires