It was late 2016 when news of exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 hits the headlines, prompting Samsung to halt the distribution of all Note 7s. A recall was then initiated to try and mend the problem. However, even the replacement phones, which were thought to be safe, also had cases of explosions. A second recall followed and even included the initial replacements.
In October 2016, the FAA shortly announced that Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was no longer allowed to be used, or even carried on any commercial or cargo flight. Airlines were then required to issue a pre-boarding notification to all passengers regarding this, which passengers were meant to take seriously.
CNN Tech even reported that "Government regulators warn that anyone caught trying to fly in a passenger plane with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could have their phone confiscated and "may face fines. And if passengers try to stash their Note 7 phones in checked luggage to avoid getting caught, they face 'criminal prosecution'".
In a press release earlier this week, the FAA said that they would no longer require airlines to make a pre-boarding notification to passengers that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is prohibited from transport on any aircraft. While the device is still prohibited for air travel, the Department of Transportation removed the requirement for air carriers to notify passengers because of the already heightened awareness as well as the efforts of Samsung to make the ban known to all Note 7 users.
Samsung has already confirmed that it was able to recall more than 96 percent of all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices in the United States. They have also provided the U.S. wireless providers firmware for the remaining devices that prevents their batteries from charging.
In a press event during CES 2017 in Las Vegas, Samsung America COO Tim Baxter said that they would soon be releasing a report that details the results of the investigation into Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Hopefully, no more incidents of exploding Note 7s arise and Samsung is able to prevent this from happening with their future phone models.
