We reported earlier today that around 140,000 users are still yet to return their recalled Galaxy Note 7 in the South Korea, and now it's been revealed that Samsung is considering following in its European subsidiary's footsteps by lowering the battery charging limit from 60 percent, rather than disabling the devices like it's planning to do in the United States and, presumably, a number of other countries.
“There will be strong opposition from consumers if Samsung disables the devices soon. The company may have to wait until the return rate reaches 95 percent,” an anonymous industry source told The Korea Herald on Tuesday, December 20. The firm is expected to hold discussions with local mobile carriers next week to discuss distributing a software update to alter the charging limit and a revised refund policy.
At present, Samsung has cut off access to wireless networks for Galaxy Note 7 owners in New Zealand, but it's hoping to go one step further in the United States. With the help of the region's largest operators — AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile — it plans to issue a compulsory over-the-air (OTA) firmware upgrade that will prevent units from recharging when they eventually run flat.
It's unclear why the firm is considering delaying activating the Galaxy Note 7's kill switch in South Korea. However, based on the statement obtained by The Korea Herald, it looks like it's because only 85 percent of the total 950,000 handsets sold in the region have been returned — so if it remotely deactivates the devices now, it faces the possibility of backlash from loyal customers.
