Samsung Australia releases software update to limit battery charging of old Galaxy Note 7 devices

As distribution of replacement Galaxy Note 7 smartphones start Wednesday, Samsung urged customers to download and install software updates on their new Android mobile devices.

Samsung Electronics Australia said the software update will introduce a green battery icon to identify the new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from the original batch, which have been recalled due to potential fire hazards.

Under the software update, a new green battery icon is visible on new Galaxy Note 7 device’s status bar, always on display screen and the power off prompt screen.

Meanwhile, customers who are still holding onto their original Galaxy Note 7 handset will be forced to download an automatic software update that will limit the smartphones’ battery to a maximum charge of 60 percent.

“The safety of our customers is our first priority,” Richard Fink, Vice President IT & Mobile, Samsung Electronics Australia, said in a notice.

“For this reason, we are working to identify and execute all appropriate measures to protect customer safety.”

The South Korean smartphone maker decided Sep. 2 to recall all Galaxy Note 7 devices sold worldwide due to reports of faulty batteries that catches fire or explodes while the smartphone is charging. (Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 catches fire: South Korean company delays worldwide shipment to investigate reports of faulty batteries)

Customers were given the option to refund their purchase or receive a replacement Galaxy Note 7 device. Replacement units will be available at Samsung retail stores worldwide starting Sep. 21. customers will receive an SMS notifying them when to collect their replacement units from retail stores and telecom service providers. (Read: Samsung Australia to deliver Galaxy Note 7 replacement devices starting Sep. 21)
In Australia, Samsung’s flagship phone costs at least $1,349 to buy. Sale of the new stock of Galaxy Note 7 devices will resume early October. (Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 price in Australia: How much phone plans cost)

The waterproof Galaxy Note 7 model is sold in four colour variants Dark Onyx Black, Chrome Silver Titanium, Shiny Gold Platinum and Blue Coral. The iris-scanning smartphone is equipped with a minimum of 64GB internal storage, 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 3500mAh battery, a S Pen stylus, 12-megapixel f/1.7 dual-pixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front camera.