The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Technology Samsung

Samsung encourages European Note 7 owners to return devices by limiting battery to 30%

Author

By Gillian West, Social media manager

December 10, 2016 | 2 min read

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handsets in Europe are being restricted to charging past 30% thanks to an update.

The devices, which are still in use on the continent despite the fire risk, currently have a limited battery capacity of 60% with the new update aiming to encourage owners to return the faulty smartphones which were recalled globally in September following complaints about exploding battering.

A statement released by Samsung confirmed the changes will take place from 15 December (Thursday).

“This new battery software update is specifically designed to reinforce to the remaining minority of customers to immediately replace their device,” it read, with Samsung revealing that around 10% of Note 7 owners in Europe are yet to return their phones.

According to reports, Samsung is taking a number different steps in different regions to encourage returns.

In Canada, an update will turn off all radio communication on the device include calls, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth whereas in the US an update on Monday 19 December will stop Note 7 handsets charging and “eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices”.

Verizon, however, has said it will not apply the update because of safety concerns for those who have no other handset. It’s believed 93% of faulty phones in the States have been returned.

A statement from Verizon, shared on The Verge, commented: “We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation.”

Following the recall profits at Samsung have fallen with the electronics giant confirming in October that profit from July to September was down 30% year-on-year. In November, it took out an ad in the Wall Street Journal apologising to customers as loyalty was 'earned, not given.'

Technology Samsung

More from Technology

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +