There are still a considerable number of Galaxy Note7 users who are stubbornly holding on to their recalled smartphones. There are so many that Samsung is sending out an automatic software update to limit the battery charge on all devices.
Two months and two recalls later, Samsung is still trying to mop up the Note7 mess after a battery cell issue forced the electronics giant to halt production of the flagship model.
There have been a number of customers on forums and on social media boasting that they still have the device and others saying they have no intention of handing it back.
Users are now unable to board an aircraft with the Galaxy Note7 with the company issuing numerous warnings that the device must be powered down and returned to the place of purchase.
But that recall has obviously not been completed considering Samsung will be deploying an update for the replacement devices – which were also deemed unsafe to use – on November 5.
This automatic update will limit the maximum battery charge to 60 per cent.
The first software update, sent out on September 21, was for the original Note7 devices purchased in Australia before September 5.
This latest update is aimed at replacement devices which were sent to customers who choose to replace their Note7 instead of asking for a refund.
“Customer safety is our number one priority and we are asking customers who still have a Galaxy Note7 to immediately complete a data back-up and factory reset before powering-down the device and returning it to their place of purchase” said Richard Fink, Vice President IT & Mobile, Samsung Electronics Australia.
“We continue to work with our retail and operator partners to assist customers to replace their Galaxy Note7 devices or seek a full refund.”
Tech Guide has seen forum entries from Whirlpool discussing ways to avoid the automatic update Samsung will be sending through this week.
Others were also discussing purchasing the Note7 from overseas and looking forward to delivery.
One person even wondered how the phones will be delivered considering they are banned from being transported on aircraft.
Even the devices sent back to Samsung in South Korea from Australia had to be sent by sea.