Ever since complaints about the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 were made public, the doubts and questions have not ceased. Many are questioning why the issue has occurred so often on a great number of units. While the reason has been likened to the lithium-ion batteries and Samsung has already started to recall its shipments, US authorities are claiming that the Korean tech-giant refused to follow traditional procedures.
What's All The Concern About?
According to Recode, typical product recalls are aided by an agency called the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Typically, the CPSC helps consumers understand the risks in continued use of a recalled product. However, this would also make the sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 illegal.
Which is probably why Samsung has opted to replace the purchased units as opposed to simply recalling them completely. A source of the publication, who was dubbed a federal agent, made it known that the US government would like to see Samsung take the traditional recollection route. Meanwhile, CPSC has declined to make an official statement.
US Networks are also making a stand themselves, as many have stopped selling the device altogether. However, it can still be found and purchased in other authorized retailers.
Currently, Samsung's plan of action is to replace all existing Galaxy Note 7 units. However, the tech company has not advised whether or not users can continue to use units before the replacement is complete.
Why Are They Exploding?
The exploding of the units is due to the lithium-ion batteries that are found in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units. The option to use such batteries, as noted by Stuff.Co, arrose from the pressure to use more powerful and lightweight batteries in smartphones.
The appeal of the battery has been evident since the 1990s. "Without Li-ion, there very likely would be no smartphones, tablets, laptops, et cetera," said Jason Croy, a physicist at Argonne National Labs.
But while the lithium-ion batteries have existed for quite a while, the risk is really in how much energy is stored in the unit. Croy explains that the more energy dense the battery unit is the more dangerous it becomes.
Meanwhile, Samsung has reason that the explosions are from a "battery cell issue." Currently, there have been 35 reported cases.
