Take Note! Cell Phones Blowing Up - Literally!

Sep 17, 2016, 00:43

Now it seems that the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a notice regarding airline passengers and crew traveling with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

Following yesterday's news that the Galaxy Note 7 is officially being recalled by Samsung and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Samsung has posted a video apology regarding the recall. The problem stems from a lithium-ion battery inside the phones that can overheat and catch fire. They also raise questions about whether Samsung's rush to take back the phones created more problems.

There have been about 92 reports of batteries overheating in the US, with 26 cases involving burns and 55 involving property damage, according to the commission. While the company was previously offering to replace the phones, it will now offer consumers the choice of a replacement or a full refund.

Regulators have stepped in to oversee the recall of a million of the phones in the United States themselves, amidst conflicting information and delays, in what's been criticised as an uncoordinated response. One Florida family said they left their Galaxy Note 7 charging in their Jeep, and the phone exploded and set their auto on fire. "But I'm scared it's going to explode", said Franco. But he thinks Samsung downplayed the severity of the battery issue so he decided to make the switch. "Samsung confirms that new Note 7 replacement devices will be available in the United States at most retail locations no later than September 21, 2016".

The CPSC announced a formal recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note7.

Customers who exchange a Galaxy Note 7 will receive a $25 incentive in the form of a gift card, in-store credit, accessory or bill credit from their carrier or retailer.

Some analysts said the recall might cost Samsung up to US$5 billion in revenue this year and would damage the company's reputation. It then had a working session with representatives from Samsung Group and Samsung Vina Company to clarify the information. They were also told to contact the sellers immediately.

The agency is advising affected consumers to power down their phones and return them to wherever they bought them.