Several Samsung Galaxy Note 7's lay on a counter in plastic bags after they were returned to a Best Buy on September 15, 2016 in Orem, Utah. (Photo : Getty Images/George Frey)
Samsung has been urging customers to return their Galaxy Note 7 smartphones because of the safety risk it poses after several reports of battery explosions have circulated the news.
Some people who bought the smartphone still refuse to give up their device. Samsung has repeatedly urged customers to return their phone to exchange it with another device but others just would not budge.
Now, other companies are stepping up to pressure users into returning their phones. All of the mobile carriers in New Zealand will be blocking signals from the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 so that the remaining few will be forced to just turn the device in, Engadget has learned.
The carriers will use the IMEI blocking method to prevent the Galaxy Note 7 users from using the network signals of their phone. Of course, the Wi-Fi will still work but that only means users will have to stick to their houses and they would not be able to use the calling or SMS features ever again.
Samsung is also pushing an update for the Galaxy Note 7 that blocks it from charging over 60 percent to annoy customers into returning the device, Lifehacker reported. The update has already been rolled out in other countries but the company is slated to release it in the United States soon.
With only 60 percent in battery life, users will have to charge the phone more which can be quite irritating. Users are being urged to just return and exchange it for a better one in 2017 such as the upcoming Galaxy Note 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S8 which is rumored to have the new BioBlue 4K screen display.
Samsung confirmed that 85 percent of the Galaxy Note 7 devices in the U.S. have already been exchanged but there are still some pesky few who refuse to get their phones replaced. Not only is it a safety risk to themselves but to others as well as it could suddenly flame up and damage a home or a public place.
Galaxy Note 7 users should return their phone to have it replaced. The smartphone has been involved in a number of fire hazards that may harm anyone near the device while it bursts into flames.
