The newly-released Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been through a lot of controversies in the past weeks. It all started with a couple cases of explosions, then there were issues regarding its slow processor, faulty S-Pen integration and bricked system.
Needless to say, its explosion controversy may have been the worst part of all the issues. This did not only lead to a global recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, this also startled accessory providers like the Oculus.
Oculus' Warning Against The Use Of Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Gear VR users are warned by Oculus against using the VR device with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Although no specific reasons were given by the VR developer, it is assumable that they are afraid that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could explode while connected to the Oculus Gear VR.
Oculus gave a statement on its website saying "Don't use your Note7 with Gear VR until you get your replacement." They also sent emails saying that their users' safety is their number one concern. It's worth noting though that Oculus did not advise people to never use the Note 7 with the Gear VR at all. All they ask is for users to only pair the two if their Note 7 has already been replaced.
This goes without saying that Oculus has clearly accepted the fact that the current Note 7 phones are risky. The VR company may have also understood the risk of having a potential explosive device attached to a user's head. Furthermore, considering that the early reports of Note 7 explosions were caused by being connected to a mobile accessory, a VR headset may technically be at risk of provoking a Galaxy Note 7 to explode.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7, The Global Recall 2016
According to Forbes, more than 1.6 million devices are at risk of explosion. This is despite Samsung's initial statement saying that the number of affected devices are way lower than that at around 0.01% or less.
Investigations determined that the batteries of the devices are to be blamed for the explosion incidents. This is why Samsung continues to sell the device in China and Hong Kong, for the sole reason that the battery of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 released in those area came from a different manufacturer. This also means that the company will no longer use its in-house battery manufacturer for its future phones, and instead go for a different company named ATL. ATL has provided the batteries for the non-recalled devices released in China and HK.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7, How To Return Recalled Devices
As for the recall program, US users of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has already been given replacement options. They can get a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 replacement to arrive next week, or they can also exchange their current device for another model. The exchange model choices include the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge. On top of this, a $25 gift card will also be given to owners of the Note 7.
Furthermore, all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 owners should contact the retailers who sold them their devices or call 1-800-SAMSUNG to discuss how to start the recall program.
