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Galaxy Note 7: Samsung starts exchange programme in the UK and Ireland

Samsung is also sending out a software upgrade to limit battery charging in pre-ordered handsets.
Written by Steve Ranger, Global News Director
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The Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Image: CNET

Samsung has started its Samsung Galaxy Note 7 exchange programme in UK and Ireland, allowing customers to exchange their current device for a brand new handset.

The exchange programme follows Samsung's decision earlier this month to stop sales and shipments of the 5.7-inch Note 7 phablet, after reports of some batteries overheating and catching fire.

As well as the exchange programme, Samsung is delivering a battery software update to all pre-ordered Note 7 devices in Europe to limit the battery charge to 60 percent. This update is due to start rolling out to existing customers' devices from 20 September in UK and Ireland.

Samsung said that limiting the ability of the device to charge to full capacity should "reduce the risk of incidents" and would also encourage customers to replace their existing device with a new Note 7.

Customers who do exchange their existing phablet for a new Note 7 will be able to tell the difference because it will have a green battery icon (previously white) on the device notification bar, the 'power off' prompt screen or the always-on display. This change will also be rolled out from tomorrow in UK and Ireland.

Conor Pierce, Vice President of IT & Mobile Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland, said: "Our absolute priority is the safety of our customers -- that's why we are asking all Galaxy Note 7 customers to act now and exchange today. We would like to apologise to our Note 7 customers for not meeting the standard of product excellence that they have come to expect from Samsung and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and patience."

More details of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 Exchange Programme can be found here

More on the Galaxy Note 7

iPhone 7 sales may reach 100m in 2016 due to Note 7 recall: Analysts

FAA: Powering on Galaxy Note 7 during flight prohibited

Samsung begins Note 7 exchange in South Korea

What you need to know about the new Note 7 batch

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