Concerned over the growing battery explosion fears in Samsung’s premium device Galaxy Note 7, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning not to charge or switch on Note 7 on board aircraft.
“In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage,” the FAA said in a statement on Friday.
The strong warning came at a time when the south Korean giant is dealing with the global recall of nearly 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 shipped so far across the world.
Three Australian airlines have already barred passengers from using or charging the smartphones during flights.
“Qantas and Virgin Australia have told passengers not to turn on Note 7 or charge them on flights,” NBC News reported.
“On-board announcements are being made prior to departure to inform all guests,” Virgin Australia said in a statement.
An Australian man was left with burns when his Samsung smartphone “exploded” as he slept in his hotel room.
Tham Hua, from Victoria state who was visiting Western Australia, said his Samsung Galaxy Note 7 exploded in his hotel room, bursting into flames, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.
“My brand new Note 7 exploded this morning while I was still asleep, it was plugged in and charging,” Hua posted on a technology forum.
“Phone completely fried… (Samsung) told me this is the first case in Australia.
“(It) charred the hotel room bed sheet and the carpet when I whacked it down to the floor, burnt one of my fingers while doing that too.”
Hua said the accident caused $1,300 worth of damage to his hotel room which Samsung offered to cover.
“Samsung Electronics Australia advises all customers who use a Galaxy Note 7 smartphone to power down their device, return it to its place of purchase and use an alternative device until a remedy can be provided,” Samsung said in a statement.
As part of its global recall of Galaxy Note 7 after reports of battery explosion surfaced, Samsung Australia has formally recalled 51,060 such devices.
More than 35 cases of the exploding battery defect have been reported since the phone, which retails for $1,035, was launched on August 19.
– IANS
