Last week, Samsung announced that it will soon push out a software update for the Galaxy Note 7 that will have the effect of rendering the recalled device useless. At the time, Verizon pushed back, saying it would not forward this update on to Note 7 users on its wireless network. The telecom giant has since agreed to allow the phone-bricking update to go through, but not until January.
Samsung will release the software update on Dec. 19, but it will generally be up to the various wireless network providers to decide when and how they will pass it on to their users.
Verizon originally said it would not aid Samsung in bricking the Note 7 devices — even though they have been recalled for batteries that can overheat, catch fire, and explode.
“We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note 7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season,” the company said on Dec. 9. “We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation.”
However, an updated statement on Verizon’s website now states that the update will go out, but not until after the heart of the holiday season.
To be more precise, Verizon will wait until Jan. 5 to roll the update out to the few Note 7 owners who have refused to exchange their phones.
This update will render the phone useless as a telecommunications device and also prevent the Note 7’s battery from charging.
According to Samsung, the vast majority (93%) of Note 7 phones have already been returned. What’s not known is how many of the remaining phones are actively in use.
by Chris Morran via Consumerist