Posted on 09/04/2016 3:04:29 AM PDT by Swordmaker
HONG KONG — A ubiquitous source of power in most modern technology, lithium-ion batteries keep cellphones, laptops, electric cars and airplanes running. They are also the source of many problems, with some overheating, catching fire and even exploding.
In a potentially damaging episode, Samsung, the world’s biggest maker of smartphones, announced on Friday that it would recall its Galaxy Note 7 model after discovering a flaw in the battery cell that could result in fires. The company will replace 2.5 million phones sent to stores and consumers, in one of the industry’s largest recalls.
The recall puts Samsung, which has been trying to match the success of the Apple iPhone, in a precarious position.
The smartphone industry is grappling with slowing demand and intense competition. Samsung was regaining swagger with its high-end phone models, like the Note 7, in which the screens appear to spill off the side.
But the battery fires threaten to undermine Samsung’s efforts, giving an edge to Apple. The recall comes just days before Apple is expected to unveil the latest version of its iPhone.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Ping for your list.
Samsung’s handling of Galaxy Note 7 recall has raised concerns for U.S. officials
BY INA FRIED — SEP 2, 2016, 7:13PMA federal official says the Korean phone maker should have gone through the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission.
Although Samsung moved quickly to stop shipments of its Galaxy Note 7 amid reports the batteries could catch fire or explode, federal officials expressed concern Friday that the company opted not to follow traditional procedures.
Typically, recalls in the U.S. that involve safety issues are handled in conjunction with a federal agency known as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Instead, Samsung has launched its own global program to replace the phablet, following reports that a battery issue could cause fire or explosion.
Working with the CPSC ensures that consumers clearly understand both the risks of continued use of a product as well as their rights, a federal official told Recode. Such a recall would also make sales of the Note 7 illegal.
The official said that the government would still like to see a more traditional recall announcement put in place.
A U.S. CPSC representative declined to comment.
Consumer Reports has also called upon Samsung to work with the CPSC on an official recall. Although the major U.S. carriers have all stopped sales of the device, Consumer Reports said that the device could still be found for sale at other retailers.
“Samsung should immediately initiate an official recall with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, given the serious nature of the safety problem it identified with the Galaxy Note 7,” Consumer Reports director of electronics testing Maria Rerecich said in a statement. “We are particularly concerned that phones continue to be available for sale today.”
Samsung has said it will replace all Galaxy Note 7 phones, but has declined to state whether consumers can safely continue to use the device before replacements are ready.
It has offered consumers the option to immediately trade in devices for a Galaxy S7 phone, while U.S. carriers are also offering customers the ability to return their Note 7 for a refund or in exchange for another type of smartphone. Samsung has said replacement devices will be made available as soon as next week.
The recall comes at a particularly troublesome time for Samsung, with Apple poised to unveil new iPhones next week. Samsung has offered customers an additional $25 if they opt to exchange their Note 7 for a replacement or other Samsung phone rather than seeking a refund or opting for a rival’s phone.
friggin just in time euro model of efficiency cuts out much beta testing of the product, a showing like this is disgraceful, untested..
The Note 7 is a good buy as it will keep you warm this coming winter.
The new iPhone is just so gay now. See new logo : )
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/09/03/apple-aims-to-reboot-sales-with-iphone-7-launch/
Fortunately, with tiny batteries, this would never happen with Apple.
Well this is depressing. My wife just got a Note 7 two weeks ago and was very happy with it.
My Note 2 is having problems.
I looked at the current Note offerings, saw they were going down the forced obsolescence road with built in batteries, and bought an LG V10 with a milspec steel frame.
My requirements in a phone are pretty simple: Large screen, replaceable battery, radio strong enough to get a signal in a hospital basement, and expandable storage. Bells and whistles on top of those four requirements are of relative unimportance.
I think I will go buy a lot of insurance, then go get me a Note.
Add a new app: pocket warmer.
[Typically, recalls in the U.S. that involve safety issues are handled in conjunction with a federal agency known as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.]
Looks like Samsung wants to do the recall in a timely manner rather than deal with government bureaucracy.
Can I be your beneficiary?
Planned obsolescence? Their G6 phone needs to be replaced when/if the battery goes bad. Now the G7 version has a battery problem. Seems the older G5 was the better of the deal but I have looked and cannot find one.
My wife’s GS6 got bricked in the last update.
ATT (provider)says, it isn’t “our” fault, you need to contract Samsung or Android.
I asked the local store manager whether they have culpability for allowing the latest update to be applied over their network: “Ummmm, I’ll have to check with the corporate office.”
I paid the $165 for an upgrade to Note& and walked away. Now, with the recall, I’m considering joining a class-action.
Oops. Glad I waited on this one.
Too bad they don’t recall the $800 I7 Windows 7 SamJunk laptop I bought a few years ago. It lasted one month past the warranty when the motherboard died. And they don’t make replacement motherboards.
That, after a SamJunk DVR recorder died shortly after its warranty, I will never buy anything with the SamJUNK name on it again.
This is a very embarrassing issue for Samsung, and a potentially damaging one too. It is a time when they really don't need any self-inflicted wounds.
In fact, it is enough of an issue for me to consider a switch. I'm already fed up with Samsung bloatware. My wife at one point had a Motorola smartphone and it was remarkably (pleasingly) relatively free of junk. Sadly AT&T does not offer Motorola Z droids. So I'm currently weighing my options regarding plodding along like a sheep and getting a Galaxy S7, vs going out on my own and purchasing a Droid Z Force independently, vs jumping ship from AT&T (who I've had ever since I've had a wireless phone) and going to Verizon...
Anyone listening out there at Samsung and AT&T???
I bought three of these to use as fire starters for our prepping supply stash!
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