Too little, too late: software update limits maximum battery charging capacity to 60%
Samsung Electronics Europe has announced it will issue a new battery software update to all of the Galaxy Note7 devices across the region, which will limit the maximum battery charge to 60%. Supposedly, this will lessen the chances of them bursting into flames.
As part of what Samsung claimed is its, “absolute focus on customer safety”, the new software update will roll out across Europe from Monday 31 October.
The update is the latest measure taken by the company to reduce customer risk and drive all remaining Galaxy Note7 customers in Europe to replace their device immediately.
Other measures taken in Europe since the decision on 11 October to discontinue sales and production of the Galaxy Note7 with its exploding battery problem have included communication with customers to keep them informed of updates and the need to replace the device. The company has also maintained talks with regulatory bodies and institutions throughout Europe, as well as regular dialogue with the European Aviation Safety Agency and local airlines, most of which have banned the use of the smartphone, of charging it, and of placing it in checked luggage, on flights.
Apparently two thirds of all Galaxy Note7 devices in Europe have been replaced to date. Customers have been offered a choice of a full refund or an exchange for an alternative Samsung Galaxy smartphone, with the difference in price also refunded.
The new software update is similar to a previous software update rolled out in September to original Galaxy Note7 devices across Europe. The software update was found to effectively minimise customer risk, claimed Samsung, with no incidents reported among the devices that received this software update.
Conor Pierce, VP of IT and mobile, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, commented: “Our absolute priority continues to be customer safety. This new battery software update is specifically designed to remind all Galaxy Note7 customers to replace their device at their earliest possible convenience through their local Galaxy Note7 Replacement Programme. We once again would like to apologise for not meeting the standard of product excellence that our customers have come to expect from Samsung and we sincerely thank them for their continued understanding and cooperation.”
Smart Chimps thinks: If customer safety really was Samsung’s absolute priority, the company would have properly tested and developed the device prior to shipping it. It’s called R&D. Next time, give it a try and save yourself millions of pounds in lost cash, and all that precious face that has gone whizzing straight down the drain…
