Samsung has collected 97% of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and issued a software code that blocks any device in circulation from being recharged at all. Photo: ReutersSeoul: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has detailed its plans for the millions of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones it pulled off shelves when some caught fire last year, including recycling materials and potentially letting customers use them as refurbished devices. Samsung has collected 97% of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and issued a software code that blocks any device in circulation from being recharged at all. “Regarding the Galaxy Note 7 devices as refurbished phones or rental phones, applicability is dependent upon consultations with regulatory authorities and carriers as well as due consideration of local demand,” Samsung said in Tuesday’s statement. “The markets and release dates will be determined accordingly.”For Note 7 units destined for recycling, Samsung said it will remove components such as semiconductors and camera modules, and use them for testing of other products.

Source: Mint March 28, 2017 04:07 UTC