33pc of Note7 owners in Europe are still holding onto their devices despite safety fears. Image: Samsung
Owners of Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices aren’t returning their devices in sufficient numbers and Samsung has taken the step of limiting the battery to 60pc.
In what has to be the biggest product recall in tech industry history, Samsung had to recall some 2.5m Note7 smartphone devices after reports of the devices catching fire and exploding began to circulate.
The biggest humiliation for the image-conscious Korean tech giant came when planes were grounded and passengers were instructed to turn off Note7 devices.
‘This new battery software update is specifically designed to remind all Galaxy Note7 customers to replace their device at their earliest possible convenience’
– CONOR PIERCE
An initially successful recall and replace programme was scrapped after it emerged that even the replacement devices could potentially catch fire, and production of the Note7 was halted altogether.
However, it has emerged that a sizeable percentage of Note7 owners – around 33pc in Europe – still haven’t returned their devices.
Battery software update for Note7
In a last ditch effort to reduce risk and “drive all remaining Galaxy Note7 customers in Europe to replace their device immediately”, Samsung has issued a battery software update over-the-air that will limit the battery’s power to 60pc.
Samsung said it is collaborating with local carriers in every market and safety authorities, including the European Aviation Safety Agency and local airlines, to restrict Note7 usage on flights.
Samsung said that around two-thirds of devices sold in Europe have been returned.
“Our absolute priority continues to be customer safety,” said Conor Pierce, vice president of IT and mobile at Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland.
“This new battery software update is specifically designed to remind all Galaxy Note7 customers to replace their device at their earliest possible convenience through their local Galaxy Note7 replacement programme.
“We once again would like to apologise for not meeting the standard of product excellence that our customers have come to expect from Samsung and we sincerely thank them for their continued understanding and cooperation,” Pierce added.
