Samsung is continuing to implement drastic measures to ensure all Note 7 owners return the dangerously explosive phablets.
After taking similar measures in New Zealand and Canada, Samsung USA has announced more stringent sanctions that will completely shutdown the devices.
From December 19, Samsung will prevent owners from charging the device at all, while it will also “eliminate” the phone’s ability to work as a mobile device by cutting off network connectivity.
Related: Galaxy Note 7 recall FAQ
Samsung says that 93% of the devices have been recovered already, and hopes the latest update will bring the rest back in house.
In a post on the firm’s US website, it wrote: “To further increase participation [in the Refund & Exchange program], 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.”
The exchange program enables Note 7 owners to swap their device for another Samsung smartphone with a refund on the price difference.
There’s also the opportunity for a $100 bill phone bill credit at select carriers or retail outlets if users decide to stick with Samsung.
The company is also offering users a full refund at the point of purchase.
These latest moves suggest Samsung is desperate to but the Note 7 saga behind it as it builds towards the Galaxy S8 series, scheduled to arrive in early 2017.
UPDATE: US Network Verizon is refusing to push out Samsung’s planned update saying: “Verizon will not be taking part in this update because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note 7 users that do not have another device to switch to.
“We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note 7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season. We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation.”
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Are you one of the few folks yet to surrender your Note 7? What are you waiting for? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
