Here's one way Samsung is
trying to keep the Galaxy Note 7 phone you refuse to return from blowing up.
Capping how much you can charge the phone.
Samsung has a software solution to keep stragglers who
haven't yet returned or exchanged their Galaxy Note 7 phone after a voluntary
product recall safe
from harm. It's issuing a software update that caps the battery's recharge
capacity at 60 percent.
An issue that causes the anode and cathode to
touch and erupt in flames has
caused physical-
and property damage. Although customers are urged to
exchange or return the phone, the remotely-administered software update is seen
as a quick fix to prevent future problems.
Samsung released information about the software update
in a South Korean newspaper advertisement, according to the Associated Press. The update will start September 20th for
South Korean customers. It is unknown at the time whether the US or other parts
of the world will receive the update.
Samsung confirmed the
report in an email to CNET and added:
"In the U.S., Samsung is continuing to work
with the CPSC and our carrier partners to develop and evaluate solutions that
are best for US Note7 owners. "No action will be taken without the
approval of the CPSC. Customer safety remains our top priority." The CPSP,
or Consumer Product Safety Commission, is a US government organization that officially called for a recall.
What does it mean to artificially limit battery
charging to 60 percent? The update will shorten the Note 7's battery life by a
considerable chunk, requiring more frequent charging throughout the day.
Coupled with the fact that the Galaxy Note 7 is a phone with a premium price,
this may upset existing Samsung users.
If Samsung does cap
battery life, we expect it to be temporary until the new Note 7 crop passes
future inspection. If you have the phone, we strongly recommend that you return or exchange your Note 7.
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