Samsung’s Most Expensive Flop

Considered as one of the biggest product failures of all time, Samsung Galaxy Note7 floats on the same boat as Apple Lisa (1983) and Ford Pinto (1971). It started off as a promising product with special features such as iris scanner, improved S-pen, expanded internal storage, and 5.70-inch touchscreen display. It was supposed to be Samsung’s answer to its rival Apple’s iPhone 7.

It quickly became a fiery disaster when a number of Note7 devices either emitted smoke or caught on fire. These reported cases resulted to injuries and property damage. In October 2016, Singapore Airlines announced that passengers were not allowed to bring their Note7 device on both carry-on and checked-in baggage due to fire hazard. Other international airlines (e.g., Virgin Australia and Air Berlin) followed suit.

Having massive companies ban the device only highlighted its cautionary tale. Samsung needed to clean up their act! They started replacing the first batch with a “less combustible” substitutes. However, that did not work too!

Samsung learned its lesson – the hard way. Recalling the Note7 was so costly that operating profit for the company fell 30 percent to about US$4.57 billion. Needless to say, Note7 wiped out 13.5% of its market share or about US$17 billion off the company’s market value.

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

Samsung conducted an in-depth study to investigate the downfall of Note7. Seven hundred dedicated staff were accompanied by three laboratories: UL, Exponent, and TUV Rheinland. These people tested 30,000 batteries and 200,000 devices before coming to its conclusions.

Firstly, there was a manufacturing defect in the corner of the batteries. A particular flaw made the electrodes prone to bending. This could lead to a short-circuit in the battery itself. It was responsible for some of the reported fires. This was the problem in the first batch of batteries, which Samsung reported that it would replace.

Secondly, it started switching production from one battery manufacturer to another. There may be some welding problems that occurred.

Lastly, some of the issues were possibly tied to the lack of insulation tape. These insulation tapes should have been shipped standard on the hardware, but were not.

THE ESSENCE OF THE STORY

This setback illustrates how complex it is to create a smartphone. The problem came down to a short-circuit flaw and to an ambitious pursuit to take a share from Samsung’s primary competitor.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

We learned that success takes time. It is important to carefully inspect every aspect of product development before setting a launch date. Otherwise, you will feel pressured to meet the deadlines and to rush through the vital steps. Same goes for other areas of your career.

Sources: 1,2,3,4, & 5

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Why The Local Telecoms Are Ceasing The Sales Of Samsung Galaxy Note7

Before its release, people have been clamoring over the great possibilities that the Samsung Galaxy Note7 can bring. Its innovative design focuses on offering better usage with the dual-curved screen and shaping a comfortable grip with the 5.7-inch unit. Continuing the legacy of the preceding Galaxy phones, the latest Note7 along with the S Pen is waterproof. The privacy features went up a notch with the “iris scanning”. The improvements did not stop there!

Samsung came up with a larger battery that minimizes the charging speed and expands the longevity of the phone. However, this turn out to bring more problems than solutions. The battery of several Note7 units all over the world either bloated or exploded. In UAE alone, the Consumer Protection Depart at the Ministry of Economy has removed about 19,000 faulty Note7 off the market.

To control the damage and to address the gravity of the situation, Samsung has taken the full responsibility by issuing prompt recall of these units. All the local telecoms adhered and they ceased the sales of the device. This is followed by the introduction of an exchange program.

As the name suggests, customers who can exchange their defective units from September 16 to October 2. Given that these said customers purchased their Note7 from any local telecom operators, authorized mobile retailers, Samsung Experience Stores, Samsung’s Lazada Singapore online store, and major electronic shops. Self-collection of the new devices in the same color is done by visiting the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre or by having it shipped in your home.

If you are eager to get your defective unit exchanged, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to samsung.com/sg/note7exchange and enter a preferred collection time slot. This link will only be live on Friday (September 9, 2016).

2. Booking period begins from September 9 and extends until September 25. Register yourself if you are eligible for the replacement.

3. You shall return your Note7 afterwards. Worry not about having no means of communication as courtesy devices will be available for loan while you wait for a better unit of Note7.

4. If deemed to be qualified, your warranty period will be extended to commence from the date of the exchange.

 

May these information ease your worries about your newly purchased Note7!

Source: Vulcan Post

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