LOUISVILLE, Ky.: A replacement model of the fire-prone Samsung Note 7 smartphone began smoking inside a U.S. plane on Wednesday, the family that owns it said, prompting fresh investigations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration. A problem with the replacement for the Note 7 model would create a new, embarrassing and potentially costly chapter to a global scandal which has hurt Samsung's reputation. It also could add new dangers for consumers. Indiana passenger Brian Green's phone began emitting smoke inside a Southwest Airlines Co flight to Baltimore from Louisville, Kentucky, his wife Sarah told Reuters after speaking with her husband. She said that Green had replaced the original phone about two weeks ago after getting a text message from Samsung. Samsung Electronics Co said in a statement it was working to recover the device and to understand the cause. “Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident … [Read more...] about Replacement Samsung Note 7 phone emits smoke on US plane – family
Note 7 explosions
Samsung to resume S Korea sales of new Note 7 phones
SEOUL: Samsung said Thursday (Sep 29) it would resume sales of new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in South Korea this week, hoping to turn the page on the troubled device after an ongoing global recall prompted by battery explosions. The company on September 2 suspended sales of the oversized "phablet" and recalled 2.5 million units shipped worldwide after faulty batteries caused the phones to explode while charging. With the recall underway in 10 nations where the device had been launched, 60 percent of users in Samsung's key market, the US, had swapped their handsets for replacements provided by the company, as of Tuesday. Eighty percent of Note 7 customers are expected to complete the exchange this week in South Korea, where sales of new phones equipped with fault-free batteries will resume on Saturday, Samsung said in a statement. The new Note 7 will gradually hit stores in other markets, including some European countries on October 28, the company said. The unprecedented recall, the … [Read more...] about Samsung to resume S Korea sales of new Note 7 phones
Chinese user says new Samsung Note 7 exploded
BEIJING: A Chinese user of the Samsung Note 7 said Tuesday (Sep 27) his device exploded while charging, raising fears of fresh battery issues hitting the South Korean company's phones after a massive recall. The news comes after Samsung was forced to recall 2.5 million Note 7 handsets shipped to the US, South Korea and other markets, following complaints that faulty batteries caused the phones to explode while charging. Samsung currently sources batteries from a number of companies. The electronics giant has not named the maker behind the faulty battery but uses a different supplier for the Chinese market, where sales were not suspended. Earlier this month, the company investigated two claims that Note 7 phones bought online in China had exploded, but found that the problem was caused by an external heat source, Bloomberg News reported. In the latest incident on Sunday morning, a Chinese customer who goes by the name Hui complained that his Note 7 "phablet" - purchased on Saturday - … [Read more...] about Chinese user says new Samsung Note 7 exploded
Qantas grounds Samsung Note 7 after explosions recall
SYDNEY: Australian carrier Qantas told customers on Thursday (Sep 8) not to use or charge Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 during flights after faulty batteries in the new smartphone caused some handsets to explode. Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, said last week it was suspending sales of its latest flagship mobile device and recalling 2.5 million units shipped globally following reports of exploding "phablets" that dealt a heavy blow to the firm's reputation. "Following Samsung Australia's recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Personal Electronic Device (PED), we are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them inflight," a Qantas spokesman said in a statement. The request applies to domestic and international flights as well as Qantas' discount carrier Jetstar, the spokesman added. Qantas' domestic competitor Virgin Australia was not immediately available for comment. In 2014, Qantas and Virgin Australia allowed passengers to use mobile electronic … [Read more...] about Qantas grounds Samsung Note 7 after explosions recall
Samsung to suspend Galaxy Note 7 sales over battery explosions
Samsung will halt sales of its latest flagship smartphone and recall millions of units, it said Friday, after faulty batteries caused some handsets to explode in a massive blow to the South Korean electronics giant's reputation. Users began posting photos and videos on social media late last month showing the charred Galaxy Note 7 with part of its 5.7-inch touchscreen burnt and melted, saying it suddenly caught fire. Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, said it would recall 2.5 million units shipped globally to countries including the US and South Korea, and offer new devices to existing users. It is the first large-scale recall of one of Samsung's top of the range phones. "We have received several reports of battery explosions on the Note 7 that was officially launched on August 19... and it has been confirmed that it was a battery cell problem," Koh Dong-Jin, the head of Samsung's mobile business, told reporters. "We are deeply sorry for causing concern... and causing … [Read more...] about Samsung to suspend Galaxy Note 7 sales over battery explosions