If you’re one of the few folks still using a recalled, potentially dangerous Samsung Galaxy Note 7, you need to find a replacement soon, as Samsung’s next software update for the Note 7 will render it useless.
Samsung announced today that it would push out a software update on Dec. 19 that will prevent all U.S. Galaxy Note 7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.
“Consumer safety remains our highest priority and we’ve had overwhelming participation in the U.S. Note 7 Refund and Exchange Program so far,” the company said, claiming that 93% of all recalled devices have already been returned.
The update, the company says, is meant to ensure the final 7% of device owners are no longer using the smartphones, which have batteries that can overheat and potentially explode.
“If you have not yet returned your device, you should immediately power it down and contact your carrier to obtain a refund or exchange,” the company said in the update.
The Verge reports that the update will reach all U.S. carriers within 30 days of being released.
Using an update to render the phones useless isn’t a new concept, but it is the farthest Samsung has gone to get the phone out of the marketplace.
Last month, the company said it was banning the Galaxy Note 7 from connecting to cellular networks in New Zealand.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist