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Samsung is X-raying Galaxy Note 7s to make sure they’re safe

Published Sep 23rd, 2016 9:00PM EDT
Safe Galaxy Note 7 Battery
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Samsung confirmed it has already replaced around half a million Galaxy Note 7 units in the US, but it’s still only halfway there. The company is also taking additional steps to ensure the safety of its customers, including a software update that helps them identify safe batteries, and lowers the maximum charge of bad batteries. But that’s not the only thing Samsung is doing to make sure its unprecedented battery problem is fixed for good.

Regulators ordered Samsung that Galaxy Note 7 replacement batteries go through x-ray testing before shipping, and that Samsung conducts additional quality testing going forward.

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According to Reuters, South Korea ordered Samsung to take additional measures to ensure that the batteries used in the Galaxy Note 7 are safe. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards approved the recall plan and said the replacement batteries are safe.

The agency instructed Samsung to have its supplier conduct x-ray testing on the batteries before they’re even shipped. Samsung also has to carry out its own inspections. Furthermore, the company has to extend the refund deadline to September 30th — initially, Samsung set a September 19th deadline for replacements.

Samsung is also in talks with local carriers to offer customers 30,000 won in mobile tariff credit for the October bill. That’s just over $27.

Reuters says Samsung is looking to complete the recall as fast as possible to limit damage to its reputation and earnings. Some analysts expect Samsung to lose $5 billion in revenue following the recall.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.