Samsung has urged owners of its newly released Galaxy Note 7 to power down their devices, or better turn them off, and exchange them already for new mobile phones. The call comes after the tech giant halted the sale of the phablet two weeks after it was released on the back of exploding batteries reports. As the number of explosions reach around 70 cases in the United States alone, Samsung is recalling 2.5 million devices it has already sold.
In a statement released on the company's website, Samsung Electronics America President Tim Baxter asked the users to exchange their devices now. Baxter added that the customers will receive another device until the new Galaxy Note 7 becomes available.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was released on Aug. 19. Last week, the company revealed that it has received some 35 cases of Note 7 catching fire worldwide. After an investigation, Samsung pinned the problem on defective batteries. Most of the cases happened while charging the device.
In line with the safety concerns, the U.S. aviation authorities and other airlines around the world are asking their fliers not to use their Galaxy Note 7 during the flight nor stow them in their checked-in baggage, USA Today reported.
Users in the United States are encouraged to return their devices to where they purchased them, along with the accessories and receipt. According to PCMag.com, AT&T customers may choose a Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S7 Active or any other smartphone in exchange for their faulty Note 7. They may also get a new Note 7 pending the approval of the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Sprint customers can also get a "similar device," while T-Mobile customers can get a full refund and purchase a replacement handset. Verizon customers can also return or exchange their Note 7 without restocking fees.
While the number of defective devices is small, it is already impacting the company's reputation, cooling the excitement the Galaxy Note 7 has attracted through rage reviews and amazing features.
