The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has a bunch of hardcore fans as indicated by reports that these are hanging on to the device even to this day despite its risks. Unfortunately, they may soon have to kiss their devices goodbye after T-Mobile began the initiative to finally put the Note 7 out of circulation for good.
The carrier just unleashed a software update that will kill Note 7 devices within its network. The digital plague has been developed by Samsung and is expected to be deployed by other carriers in the next few days.
"These devices were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on October 13 and should no longer be used," T-Mobile said in an official statement. "T-Mobile customers who still have a Note 7 should immediately power down and stop using the device, and bring it back to a T-Mobile store for a full refund and a replacement device."
Verizon, which previously refused to release the firmware, has already budged and expressed its commitment to a rollout by Jan. 5. Sprint has so far showed the most mercy after it gave Note 7 owners more time with their handsets. It plans to trigger the kill switch on Jan. 8.
What Happens After The Update
To be brutally frank, the software update will leave any Note 7 existing in the wild thoroughly dead. The phone will first show an on-screen notification about the Note 7 recall in addition to other information instructing them what to do with their devices.
Afterwards, the device will no longer be able to charge, rendering it useless.
Observers believe that the mass execution of the Galaxy Note 7 will allow Samsung to start afresh, doing away with the danger of a device unceremoniously blowing up, diverting the attention of both the company and its customers from the upcoming Samsung products.
Perks For A Dead Note 7
To sweeten the deal, T-Mobile states that aside from the refund, it will also give affected customers a one-time $25 credit for their trouble and, possibly, for their heartbreak. Those who would also opt to purchase another Samsung device will get an additional $75 bill credit for three bill cycles.
The perks should already cushion the blow for a number of Note 7 owners. Unfortunately, there are probably some customers who would be unhappy with the fact that there is a very limited number of Note 7 alternatives, especially when the large edged display is taken into consideration. The sentiment will probably get aggravated by the fact that the Galaxy Note 8 is still in development, with no confirmed release schedule.
