Yesterday we reported on the possibility that Samsung would start updating its Galaxy Note7 handsets in the United States that would disable its ability to charge. Today, Samsung has officially updated its recall plans in the US to push that update starting December 19.
While the recall for the Note7 has been in effect over the past few months, it appears that some are still using the device, knowing of its dangers. In order to increase the pressure of returning the handset, Samsung has started to disable important features of the handset globally. Both Samsung Australia and Canada unveiled plans to disable network service to offending handsets starting on December 15. In the US, it appears that the company will go a bit of a different route by issuing an update that will disable the device's ability to charge. As mentioned previously, this update will roll out on December 19.
Samsung's official statement on the matter can be found below:
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.
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.
Source: Samsung
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