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Samsung To Push Software Upgrade Which Will Cap Galaxy Note 7 Battery Charging at 60 Percent (zdnet.com)

As Samsung figures out how to tackle the big Note7 fiasco, it has found a temporary solution for existing users of the phone. It plans to roll out an over-the-air (OTA) update on September 20 which would limit the battery charging cap for the Note7 to 60 percent. ZDNET reports: The Over-the-Air (OTA) software upgrade will commence on September 20, 10 am in South Korea. Samsung is in talks with telcos from nine other countries where the phablet is available to deploy a similar software upgrade. Galaxy Note 7 has a battery capacity of 3,500 mAh, but the forced upgrade will enforce it to 2,100 mAh. The measure is meant to protect consumers who are still using the Note7 despite a recommendation to halt use. When the exchange starts on September 19 in South Korea, the tech giant will also offer to pay parts of the data fee.

77 of 120 comments (clear)

  1. Overblown by 110010001000 · · Score: 4, Funny

    This whole exploding Note 7 issue is waaaay overblown. I am using mine right now and have had ZERO pro

    1. Re:Overblown by npslider · · Score: 1

      "On the news today: 110010001000 has gone missing, along with his new smart phone.

      In other news, yet another mysterious explosion has occurred. What is causing them, and what will explode next!?"

    2. Re:Overblown by npslider · · Score: 1

      Well... with only 1's and 0's to work with, you either love him or hate him. Apparently his Slashdot Karma had hit an unexpected low, just before we lost contact...

    3. Re:Overblown by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

      You wish! Space and AI nutters need to be on their guard!

    4. Re:Overblown by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

      I gotta admit, Musk is an expert at blowing things up. Maybe he will let you ride his "Mars Rocket". LOL

    5. Re:Overblown by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

      I just do it for cheap Karma so I can continue posting my nonsense.

    6. Re:Overblown by macs4all · · Score: 1

      "He wouldn't have hit Submit if he had exploded..."

      "Maybe he was dictating?"

      Or maybe it was the last dying twitch of his Posting-finger...

    7. Re:Overblown by npslider · · Score: 1

      Sitting in a chair all day may get the hind-end warm, but hot... oh my..

      rm -r \home\npslider\Pictures\mental-images

  2. Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back? by mykepredko · · Score: 1

    Although I suspect that Samsung will argue that this just that Galaxy 7s will only burn 60% as hot as they would normally.

  3. Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by pushing-robot · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'd love the option to set my various devices' charge/discharge limits to 90% / 10% or 80% / 20%.

    Yes, Li-Ion chemistry has improved a lot in the past decade but batteries still degrade faster at 100%.

    --
    How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    1. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by guruevi · · Score: 2

      I thought most modern devices have moved beyond LiIon to LiPo and all Li devices should maintain their charge due to memory effects, even in modern batteries.

      --
      Custom electronics and digital signage for your business: www.evcircuits.com
    2. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by Yvan256 · · Score: 1

      Didn't we see an article about exactly that a few days ago? A company talked about not allowing Lio-Ion batteries to charge to 100% to increase their longevity?

      Forcing a shutdown when the batteries are at 10% would probably help too, but there's the fact that cellphones can be used in case of emergencies so it's probably not a good idea.

    3. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by pushing-robot · · Score: 1

      'Lithium Polymer' is really just a packaging technology, the cells are still lithium-ion and charge and discharge the same as metal housed batteries.

      The 'memory effect' in lithium-ion is generally considered negligible, or at least far less significant than the stress caused by charging batteries to capacity.

      --
      How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    4. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by Spy+Handler · · Score: 1

      My Lenovo laptop has an option where instead of the normal mode (if plugged in, laptop charges until 100%), you can select "Battery Longevity" mode. In this mode the laptop will start charging if batter is under 45%, and stop at 50%. So basically the battery will always be between 45 and 50%. This is supposed to greatly increase the lifespan of the battery.

    5. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 1

      While I agree that this would be an interesting thing, isn't this upgrade limiting the upper rather than the lower charge state?

      --
      Ezekiel 23:20
    6. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by cheekyboy · · Score: 1

      why cant windows do something like this once a week, say 2am it should stop charging until its 40%, then charge up again. A battery constantly on trickle charge for months on end will not be good - reason for past dead batteries

      --
      Liberty freedom are no1, not dicks in suits.
    7. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      LiPo didn't solve the LiIon degradation issues.
      The issues have nothing to do with memory effect.

    8. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 2

      LiPo didn't solve the LiIon degradation issues. The issues have nothing to do with memory effect.

      Not when you have OEMs that could care less about your long term battery life, and sacrifice everything for fast charging times.

    9. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      Didn't we see an article about exactly that a few days ago? A company talked about not allowing Lio-Ion batteries to charge to 100% to increase their longevity?

      Forcing a shutdown when the batteries are at 10% would probably help too, but there's the fact that cellphones can be used in case of emergencies so it's probably not a good idea.

      IIRC, the magic number is around 85% max charge. 60% is just pure CYA.

      But then, Slamdung never could design a decent charging circuit. My work Slamdung laptop burned its batteries to a crisp in short order. Even with using its fancy "Samsung Power" (or whatever the fuck they called it) charging profile, which supposedly stops at 80%, I can get only about 10 minutes (at best!) without having to "plug in or find another power source".

    10. Re: Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      How much more than not caring at all do they care then?

      Why none. None at all, as it turns out.

    11. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      I'd love the option to set my various devices' charge/discharge limits to 90% / 10% or 80% / 20%.

      Yes, Li-Ion chemistry has improved a lot in the past decade but batteries still degrade faster at 100%.

      That's why Apple has charged their Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries to around 85% for like, forever. As a result, all my various Apple gear has almost identical (and stellar) battery life as the day I got it, even my relatively ancient iPad 2, that I am typing this on. Been using it for around 4 hours continuous mail and web stuff today, and it's sitting at 91% right now.

      Apple also encourages users to do a full-discharge-recharge cycle at least once per month (my iPad sees that about once or twice a week), and has an OS counter that shows when the last time that happened. They also point out that keeping the battery from overheating is also key to long battery life. Car chargers are notorious for blasting batteries. For that reason, I use my car charger as seldom as possible, and never charge my iPhone over about 50% with it (which fortunately? Only takes about 20 mins).

    12. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      I thought most modern devices have moved beyond LiIon to LiPo and all Li devices should maintain their charge due to memory effects, even in modern batteries.

      Li-ion and Li-Po batteries have a MUCH reduced "memory effect", relative to earlier Ni-Cad and Ni-Mh batteries. But they DO have the effect to some degree. That 's why Apple encourages users to do a full discharge-recharge cycle at least once a month.

    13. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by Lew+Perin · · Score: 1

      "Apple has charged their Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries to around 85% for like, forever"? You mean, when my iPhone6 says it's 100% charged, it's really only 85% charged? So I actually don't need to worry about overcharging it? I would love to believe this!

      --
      Sorry, I forgot there are ads on the Web; I use Lynx.
    14. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Li-ion and Li-Po batteries have a MUCH reduced "memory effect", relative to earlier Ni-Cad and Ni-Mh batteries. But they DO have the effect to some degree.

      The memory effect is a myth, but Lithium Ion batteries eventually go bad permanently if not kept charged, but not overcharged. The apparent memory effect was something caused by charging multiple-cell packs without balancing. You'd get overcharged cells which would result in reverse charging of some cells during the discharge process that was supposed to protect them from memory effect. Now we all have balance chargers for our RC cars and planes and quads, and the only thing we have to worry about is abuse of battery chemistry. That is to say, damaging the electrolyte by overcharging, excessive charge rate, storing an excessive charge, permitting it to become excessively discharged, or storing it too long with too much or too little charge.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    15. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      Forcing a shutdown when the batteries are at 10% would probably help too, but there's the fact that cellphones can be used in case of emergencies so it's probably not a good idea.

      All devices which run on a rechargeable lithium battery and are more complex than a cheap vape have low voltage protection. (Even a medium-priced vape has it, too.)

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    16. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      "Apple has charged their Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries to around 85% for like, forever"? You mean, when my iPhone6 says it's 100% charged, it's really only 85% charged? So I actually don't need to worry about overcharging it? I would love to believe this!

      I believe that is precisely the case. However, this Apple page explains it a little more clearly. So it appears that they have found that you can charge to 100% without damage, if you drastically change the charge-rate at around 80%.

    17. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      Li-ion and Li-Po batteries have a MUCH reduced "memory effect", relative to earlier Ni-Cad and Ni-Mh batteries. But they DO have the effect to some degree.

      The memory effect is a myth, but Lithium Ion batteries eventually go bad permanently if not kept charged, but not overcharged. The apparent memory effect was something caused by charging multiple-cell packs without balancing. You'd get overcharged cells which would result in reverse charging of some cells during the discharge process that was supposed to protect them from memory effect. Now we all have balance chargers for our RC cars and planes and quads, and the only thing we have to worry about is abuse of battery chemistry. That is to say, damaging the electrolyte by overcharging, excessive charge rate, storing an excessive charge, permitting it to become excessively discharged, or storing it too long with too much or too little charge.

      Interesting. I knew some of that, but definitely learned a thing or two.

    18. Re:Nice, can you do it for your other phones too? by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Not when you have OEMs that could care less about your long term battery life, and sacrifice everything for fast charging times.

      hahahahahah

      Okay now that this is done, mobile phones and laptops are no where near the point of sacrificing battery life for charging speed. They are however at the point of melting connectors, providing power in a package the size of a small stack of 50c pieces, and at the upper limit of the USB PD1 specification.

      Please put on your thinking cap, not your tinfoil hat.

  4. At least by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 2

    Your 60 percent of a phone has a headphone jack.

    --
    The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
    1. Re:At least by Farmer+Tim · · Score: 4, Funny

      It's more convenient to carry around an adaptor than a fire extinguisher...

      --
      Blank until /. makes another boneheaded UI decision.
    2. Re:At least by macs4all · · Score: 1

      Your 60 percent of a phone has a headphone jack.

      LOLOLOL. That's GREAT!

  5. Since Samsung has their hands in the software by JoeyRox · · Score: 1, Funny

    How about turning off TouchWiz as well.

    1. Re:Since Samsung has their hands in the software by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      How about turning off TouchWiz as well.

      It must be hard not knowing how to download and install software

  6. Samsung Representatives by nwaack · · Score: 5, Funny

    When asked why Samsung decided to embed the battery into the new phone so that the user couldn't simply change it themselves, a Samsung representative responded, "Courage."

    1. Re:Samsung Representatives by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      You know what he said when he heard about the 6 year old boy who was burned when the phone exploded? "He was holding it wrong."

    2. Re:Samsung Representatives by GonzoPhysicist · · Score: 1

      I think the courage exhibited here is from those still willing to carry these volatile phones. My cowardly ass would have returned it right away

      --
      horror vacui
  7. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by pushing-robot · · Score: 4, Informative

    They're offering customers 100% of their money back, the trouble is getting people to actually return the recalled phones.

    --
    How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
  8. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by danbob999 · · Score: 1

    Can't you get 100% of your money back by returning it to the store? And Samsung also provides replacements.

  9. This just shows how broken Android really is. by Leslie43 · · Score: 1, Insightful

    "Samsung is in talks with telcos from nine other countries where the phablet is available to deploy a similar software upgrade."
    This is a great example of just how broken Android really is. If it was Apple (and MS?), everyone would get this right away, but instead it has to be dealt with carrier by carrier, and if your carrier decides not to allow for the patch ("bandwidth!"), Samsung decides not to work with your carrier, or someone misses an email you won't be getting it at all.

    Telcos should have zero say in when or how you update your device, or have any say in what you do with it in the first place.

    1. Re: This just shows how broken Android really is. by alvinrod · · Score: 1

      The handset makers don't really care either. None of the other Android manufacturers has the privileged position to release updates and from their perspective if you have to buy a new phone to get updated software, all the better for them.

    2. Re:This just shows how broken Android really is. by macs4all · · Score: 1

      "Samsung is in talks with telcos from nine other countries where the phablet is available to deploy a similar software upgrade." This is a great example of just how broken Android really is. If it was Apple (and MS?), everyone would get this right away, but instead it has to be dealt with carrier by carrier, and if your carrier decides not to allow for the patch ("bandwidth!"), Samsung decides not to work with your carrier, or someone misses an email you won't be getting it at all.

      Telcos should have zero say in when or how you update your device, or have any say in what you do with it in the first place.

      Actually, I was thinking how this proves that Android actually CAN push an update in short order... When it suits THEIR purposes.

      Samsung deserves every single lost sale because of this.

      Meanwhile, iPhone 7 orders are FOUR TIMES of the previous model. Wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that, for a LOT of people, this is the last straw with Android and their shitbox... Well, EVERYTHING?

    3. Re:This just shows how broken Android really is. by macs4all · · Score: 1

      So, not being able to use headphones and charge the phone is a real issue for them

      Fortunately, Belkin has already fixed the problem. And knowing China, it will be about 5 nanoseconds before that is copied and sold for 5 Ruan locally.

  10. Total Recall: The Perfect nightmare by npslider · · Score: 2

    All we need to do is load up a bunch of these phones into a fleet of un-recalled Toyota's... we will have out of control racing fire bombs!

  11. 40% less BANG for your buck! by Thud457 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Samsung steals 40% of customers' battery life

    TFTFY

    --

    the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

    1. Re:40% less BANG for your buck! by jellomizer · · Score: 1

      Well this is a stop gap measure until you can get a replacement.
      So lowering the battery charging limit is far more ethical than having them explode on you.

      And if that lack of power is annoying... you should go and get the replacement.

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
  12. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by cjjjer · · Score: 4, Informative

    They actually have a site that where you can start the exchange process if you want a new phone. Also Samsung has said that in certain EU countries they will be deactivating (bricking) the phones that have not been exchanged by the end of Sept.

  13. This just shows how broken Telecoms really are. by Solandri · · Score: 3, Insightful

    That's a cellular carrier problem, not an Android problem. They insist on having control over things they shouldn't be in control of. Apple had enough clout to tell them to f- off. Other phone manufacturers did not. Google had almost enough clout to keep their paws off the Nexus phones (though until the Nexus 6, Verizon refused to allow Nexus phones on their network for this reason).

    IMHO at this point the solution is regulation to prohibit vertical integration. Phone manufacturers make the phone and only the phone. OS vendors only make the OS. App makers only make apps. Cellular networks only own tower networks. And cellular carriers only provide service (by leasing access to towers and activating phones on their network). That maximizes competition and interoperability.

    1. Re:This just shows how broken Telecoms really are. by I4ko · · Score: 1

      And I refuse to allow Verizon on my phone for the same problem.

    2. Re:This just shows how broken Telecoms really are. by macs4all · · Score: 1

      IMHO at this point the solution is regulation to prohibit vertical integration. Phone manufacturers make the phone and only the phone. OS vendors only make the OS. App makers only make apps.

      Not only is that illegal; but it flies in the face of Apple's iOS business model. And in case you haven't noticed, their's is the ONLY mobile ecosystem that DOES work, especially when it comes to handling issues like timely software fixes.

      So now what, Mr. Smarty-Pants Communist?

    3. Re:This just shows how broken Telecoms really are. by macs4all · · Score: 1

      Not only is that illegal; but it flies in the face of Apple's iOS business model.

      So change the law, and fuck Apple's business model.

      Oh, so having an EMBEDDED device with the Hardware and Software designed by the same party is a BAD thing?

      You're nuts.

      Mr. Smarty-Pants Communist?

      That's a comedy reference, you dolt. Look it up.

      Meanwhile, your fanatical and slavish devotion to Apple blinds you to the fact that the new IPhone is completely broken for a common use case: listen to music for more than five hours (so you can't use wireless earbuds) and charge phone while listening to music (on train etc.).

      Belkin has already fixed that.

  14. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by Thelasko · · Score: 1

    Although I suspect that Samsung will argue that this just that Galaxy 7s will only burn 60% as hot as they would normally.

    This is what is known as a Interim Containment Action (ICA). It's merely to prevent more fires before the phones are replaced. A recall has already ordered, and anyone that owns one of these phones can return them for a full refund.

    --
    One of our competitors trademarked the term "hypothesis". From now on, we will call them "boneheaded ideas".
  15. Like Boeing? by ugen · · Score: 1

    Isn't that the same fix Boeing used for the 787? I guess Samsung will also send every Note 7 buyer a metal fireproof container to keep the device in.

  16. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    On the plus side, the battery will literally last forever. Charging to 90% doubles the life of a LiPo, charging to only 50% eliminates cycle-based aging almost completely (the cells will still degrade, but just as quick as they would if you didn't use them at all). 60% will likely last very long.

  17. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by EvilSS · · Score: 1

    On the plus side, the battery will literally last forever. Charging to 90% doubles the life of a LiPo, charging to only 50% eliminates cycle-based aging almost completely (the cells will still degrade, but just as quick as they would if you didn't use them at all). 60% will likely last very long.

    Normally that would be great, but I don't think extending the life of an explody phone is a positive.

    --
    I browse on +1 so AC's need not respond, I won't see it.
  18. Why does this solve the problem? by goombah99 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The problem is battery terminals manufactured too close together. Why does having 40% less stored energy make the problem any better?

    --
    Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
    1. Re:Why does this solve the problem? by ninthbit · · Score: 1

      Instead it will just swell up like a balloon. I was just telling a co-worker earlier today that I'm surprised they didn't release an upgrade to intentionally brick all the devices and prevent any more mishaps/lawsuits.

  19. Samsung Munitions by NewtonsLaw · · Score: 1

    Samsung really ought to go into the munitions business.

    They've already had to recall one of their washing machines which set fire to dozens of houses due to a bad design fault -- now the G7 problem.

    Maybe they're not a bad company, they've just missed their calling :-)

    1. Re:Samsung Munitions by vux984 · · Score: 1

      They actually just recently got out of the munitions business.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

      Sample Samsung
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

      They also made fighter jets for a while.

  20. Re: Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money bac by dnaumov · · Score: 1

    Sounds like a phenomenal way to get users to never ever update their Android phone again. Yea, I know it's needed. No, that's not how regular users will see it.

  21. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by arth1 · · Score: 2

    They're offering customers 100% of their money back, the trouble is getting people to actually return the recalled phones.

    How does that work if you "bought' the phone as part of a several year long contract? Will Samsung buy out your contract?

  22. How about being able to do this on all phones? by Razed+By+TV · · Score: 3, Interesting

    After the article about Sony boosting battery life ( https://hardware.slashdot.org/... ) I started looking for a way to stop my phone from charging past 80%. I was hoping to find an Xposed module that covered it, but no such luck. There don't seem to be any apps to do it, either.

    Its interesting that Samsung cobbled together something to do it. I wonder if it is hardware specific, or can be exported to other devices.

    1. Re:How about being able to do this on all phones? by macs4all · · Score: 3, Interesting

      After the article about Sony boosting battery life ( https://hardware.slashdot.org/... ) I started looking for a way to stop my phone from charging past 80%. I was hoping to find an Xposed module that covered it, but no such luck. There don't seem to be any apps to do it, either. Its interesting that Samsung cobbled together something to do it. I wonder if it is hardware specific, or can be exported to other devices.

      Apple routinely charges all batteries in all systems to around the optimal level of 85%. Has been doing that for years. Maybe that's why all of my current Apple gear, including my 2013 MacBook Pro, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 4s, and even the relatively ancient iPad 2 I'm typing this on, have virtually the same battery life as when they were new. For example, my iPad, which sees HEAVY use every single day, still gets over 10 hours of typical email, web browsing, etc.; actually probably closer to 12 hours.

      With Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries, the key really IS the charging profile, and nobody else but Apple seems to understand that. Don't know why; but it seems to be true.

    2. Re:How about being able to do this on all phones? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      Do you spend all day every day slavishly praising Apple or do you actually have a real job?

      I do this from my regular job. I'm good enough to do both.

    3. Re:How about being able to do this on all phones? by macs4all · · Score: 1

      So, fry cook then?

      LOL. Right. You got me!

      Sorry, no. If I were a fry cook, I wouldn't likely have a chance to surf /. at work. In this particular incarnation, I am employed as a Windows Application Developer.

  23. Re:The best Android hardware? by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1

    Yeah, because there aren't any fandroids out there that constantly belittle people using iOS. None whatsoever.

    --
    Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
  24. You'd rather the FRONT? by raymorris · · Score: 1, Funny

    > don't put the new phone in the back pocket.

    You'd prefer the explosion to be in your FRONT pocket?
    Some day you'll get out of mom's basement and you'll finally have a use for what's in front.

    1. Re:You'd rather the FRONT? by npslider · · Score: 1

      Well... I'd prefer the explosion to not happen at all!

      And my TWIN toddlers have shown me what happens when what's up front is used in accordance with the user's manual. ;)

  25. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by rtb61 · · Score: 1

    Sorry but that would be contractually unfair. Not only are people entitled to a new phone but also the cost of obtaining that new phone (time and cost of going to store), the functionality lost between replacing a phone you can not use and also the labour lost in setting up and adding data to that phone. Samsung is fully liable for all those costs as well. Those costs can be really high and Samsung is contractually liable for them in many regions (they can not legally exempt themselves from those costs that they forced upon the purchasers of a dangerously defective product). I would suggest a class action law suit to recover those costs. I wonder how many are using those phones just so they can sue Samsung when the phones fails and that is the only reason for cutting battery life.

    --
    Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
  26. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by macs4all · · Score: 1

    They're offering customers 100% of their money back, the trouble is getting people to actually return the recalled phones.

    Especially the guy with the burned-up car...

  27. Re: The best Android hardware? by macs4all · · Score: 1

    Pity android users? Isnt the current IOS update bricking iphones? Id rather have a grenade than a brick any day.

    1. Better a brick than a bomb, eh?

    2. The "bricking" affected a very small number of users, was only temporary, was recoverable by the user (making the term "bricking" somewhat hyperbolic), and lasted one whole HOUR before Apple fixed the problem.

    Oh, and didn't set any iPhones or iPads on fire...

    Kind of a different situation, wouldn't you say? But of course you wouldn't, Hater.

  28. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by Bert64 · · Score: 1

    Most people aren't aware of their consumer rights, and companies take advantage of this fact on a regular basis. When i bought some hardware that was DOA a few months ago the company initially asked me to send it back at my own expense, only when i refused and asserted my rights did they organise a courier to collect (which would have cost much less because they will get preferential rates from couriers).

    --
    http://spamdecoy.net - free throwaway anonymous email - avoid spam!
  29. The ad copy writes itself by ThatsNotPudding · · Score: 1

    "Now with 40% less fire!!"

  30. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by pnutjam · · Score: 2

    yes, you'll get your money back. I traded my wife's note7 for an s7 edge and it just changed the payment. I also got a $150 card at the store I bought it, which I got to keep, and a 256 GB SD card from Samsung, which I also kept. The s7 edge, also had a $150 gift card promotion, I got that as well.
    So, this has worked out ok for me, but the note 7 was much better then the s7 edge, so that is a bit of a disappointment.
    It also took about 3 hours to do the exchange, which is horrendous.

  31. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by arth1 · · Score: 1

    yes, you'll get your money back. I traded my wife's note7 for an s7 edge and it just changed the payment.

    Then you're still under contract with the phone company. The question was whether Samsung would pay off your contract, so you can be back to where you were before.

  32. Understandable by ilsaloving · · Score: 1

    On the face of it, this seems like a questionable move because people are just going to complain about Samsung "stealing" their battery life.

    And personally, if people insist on using a device that has a much better than usual chance of killing them, I'd say no problem. We need to stop protecting people from their own stupidity.

    But the amount of property damage that an exploding device can cause is pretty darn high, and there's an excellent chance that the property that is damaged doesn't belong to the device's owner. (ie: a store, a hotel room, anywhere someone may try to sneak in a charge so they can get an extra 5 minutes of Pokemon Go time) Should that happen, it won't be the device owner they go after, it will be Samsung.

    Following the logic, I can see the entire device banned from use (IIRC the FAA has already done so), and even if they put out a fixed version, it will *still* need to be banned because no one would be able to tell if a given device has been replaced or not, so all of them would have to be considered suspect.

    So I see this as a CYA move because people can't be trusted to not be idiots and do the right thing.

  33. Re:Shouldn't customers get 40% of their money back by nightfire-unique · · Score: 1

    Technically speaking, wouldn't this be destruction of private property, a criminal offense?

    --
    A government is a body of people notably ungoverned - AC
  34. Re: Nice, can you do it for your other phones too by macs4all · · Score: 1

    Whoooosh

    No, I got it. I just decided to play along with the sophism.

    So, it appears that the "Whoooosh" that you heard was from me.