You may have heard about the ‘explosive’ devices; A.K.A. the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones.
Following reports across the globe that the devices are prone to catching fire, with some even reportedly exploding in China, devices have been understandably banned on flights for fears of incidents in the air. In response, the mobile phone manufacturer has since set up booths in airports as part of their ongoing efforts to rectify the situation, and halted production.
Airport booths
Samsung have set up booths in airports worldwide – an initiative that started in South Korea, and then expanding to Australia and U.S. airports. The reason for setting up the booths is to offer affected customers an exchange for a different mobile device, or a full refund.
There is no excuse for the lack of safety procedures in relation to the mobile device; however, Samsung seems to acknowledge the issue and are attempting to rectify it in a timely manner.
In all honesty though, what choice do they have?
Airline bans
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the device has been banned on many flights given the incidents that have occurred to date. With the dangers of the devices being quickly highlighted, and in attempt to protect passenger safety, a ban was first imposed by the U.S. in early October. Now, other airlines have followed suit, with reports that Carriers in Australia, Asia, and Europe are also prohibiting the device being taken on board. Additional Carriers include Air Berlin, Dragonair, Lufthansa, and Qantas.
Some airlines, like the ones listed above, have completely banned the device on-board, whereas others, like Virgin Australia, has issued a strong warning to not bring the device to airports.
Group action claims
With a group-action lawsuit being filed in South Korea, questions of reputation and credibility of Samsung devices continue to be raised.
The group action lawsuit in South Korea is demanding something like £350 per person for time and effort lost when the devices were recalled. It seems to be the least that Samsung can do to compensate their customers for putting them at a serious safety risk, as well as for their loss of time on top of that.
Production halted
As a result of the palaver, Samsung has issued a statement to say that the Galaxy Note 7 will no longer be in production.
The ban on the airplanes is possibly the least of Samsung’s worries, though. By offering a replacement on these phones, or compensation, Samsung are likely to lose billions of pounds, and be hit even harder with potential lawsuits coming at them from around the world as well.