James Delahunty
9 Dec 2016 16:48
Samsung will make Note7 devices that have not been returned effectively useless with a software update later this month, though Verizon has announced it will opt out of the update.
Having already pushed out an update that limits the charge level to just 60 percent and nags the user about the recall, Samsung is going to go further later this month and disable the charging of a Note7 device entirely. The South Korean firm says that 93% of Note 7s sold in the United States have already been returned as part of its global recall.
"Consumer safety remains our highest priority and we've had overwhelming participation in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program so far, with more than 93 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices returned," reads Samsung's recall page.
"To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19th that will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices."
"If you have not yet returned your device, you should immediately power it down and contact your carrier to obtain a refund or exchange."
After Samsung revealed the update, Verizon released a statement announcing that it will opt out of the update, pointing out that there are other safety considerations to take into account.
"Verizon will not be taking part in this update because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note7 users that do not have another device to switch to. We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season," wrote Jeffrey Nelson, Vice President, Global Corporate Communications, Verizon.
"We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation."
Sources and Recommended Reading:
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall Details: www.samsung.com
Verizon statement regarding Samsung Galaxy Note7: www.verizon.com