Galaxy Note 7s Ask A Burning Question. What Happens Next?

In case you missed it, the Galaxy Note 7 has been burning up the Internet lately. That is literally. They are catching on fire and burning stuff up like clothes, cars, rooms and other such things. Faulty lithium-ion batteries are heating up and causing these mobile devices to smoke, burn and scare their users. Shockingly this issue with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy product has had a negative impact on its’ stock price.

Responding to this issue the chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Elliot Kaye, said “No one should have to be concerned that their phone will endanger them, their family or their property. Due to the ongoing safety concerns associated with Galaxy Note7 phones, it is the right move for Samsung to suspend the sale and exchange of all Galaxy Notes7s”.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now recommending to customers that they do not charge, stow, or us the Galaxy Note 7 on flights and to not include them in their baggage. The FAA official site has added:

“In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage.”

The FAA site then links to a list of hazardous materials that should never be packed for a flight. This is a good list to avoid being placed on if you are a mobile product, or anything else for that matter.

Samsung and the CPSC are developing a recall strategy that includes both refunds and replacements. Given the fact that it will soon become next too impossible to travel with one of these devices it is most likely that Samsung is going to make these disappear as quickly as possible.

One of the more memorable Galaxy Note 7 headlines was on Southwest Airlines where one began to smoke on the plane. Southwest has released that no one was injured and everyone exited the aircraft in a controlled and safe manner.

Jon Norwood of the High Speed Internet Access Guide (HSIAG) said, “This is a mess that keeps getting messier. As of October 12^th we have seen Samsung’s stock drop over 7% and there is no reason that should stop until we start getting positive feedback from the sources that are publicly denouncing the company’s product such as the FAA and the U.S. CPSC. This may be a long ride”.

Wireless analyst Jeff Kagan said, “This problem should never have occurred. The devices should have been tested thoroughly, and this problem should have been found before it hit the market.”

While the vast majority of Samsung’s products do not explode the reputation of the company may be severely damaged. Product quality and reliability have always been associated with Samsung and have been a large factor in the market share the company has in many areas. If this shakes consumer confidence enough Apple may finally be able to grow their share of the phone market that has been so dominated by Samsung up to now.

If you have a Galaxy Note 7 click here to learn more from the CPSC on how to get a replacement or a refund.

Image: Nathan Dornacher