The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall continues to get more serious as the manufacturer is urging owners to not use the smartphone and to exchange it as soon as possible. Samsung recommends users power down the Galaxy Note 7 until they receive a new model through the Galaxy Note 7 exchange program , Samsung President DJ Koh said in a statement Saturday.
“We are expediting replacement devices so that they can be provided through the exchange program as conveniently as possible and in compliance with related regulations. We sincerely thank our customers for their understanding and patience,” Koh said.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission also urges users to keep Galaxy Note 7 handsets powered down until they can get a new model. Markets including the U.S., Hong Kong and Taiwan are already receiving new models, while most new models begin shipping Sept. 19.
Reports indicate users will be able to identify safe Galaxy Note 7 models by locating a large blue S next to the IMEI code on the back on the phone.
Samsung has referred to the recall as a “voluntary replacement.” However, devices have continued to spontaneously combust. Recently, a six-year-old Brooklyn boy suffered burns to his hands and body after a Galaxy Note 7 handset exploded as he was using the device. Several airlines in the U.S., Australia, India and the United Emirates have banned or warned against Galaxy Note 7 use on planes.
Once considered the best smartphone on the market, the Galaxy Note 7 was regarded for its unique design, water resistance and the introduction of an iris scanner. However, analysts indicate the Galaxy Note 7 may never recover from this fallout in its life cycle and may be regarded as the worst smartphone of its time. As of Monday, Samsung’s stock has dropped $14.3 billion .
While the Galaxy Note 7 recall is still under way, rumors about the Galaxy S8 smartphone have quickly surfaced, possibly to defuse some of the negative press. The device is expected to launch in February 2017.
