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Tag Archives: Mobile computers
Samsung unveils Galaxy S8 smartphone
Samsung Electronics unveils its Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone as it battles to regain the market leadership it lost to Apple after the embarrassing withdrawal of the fire-prone Note 7s.
Samsung reveals Galaxy Note 7 phone explosions caused by defective batteries
SOUTH KOREA (Next Animation Studio) – The Galaxy Note 7 is probably Samsung’s most famous model, not for its design or specs, but for its notorious tendency to spontaneously combust. After two recalls that cost the brand at least US$5 billion, the South Korean phone giant has finally revealed where exactly it all went wrong.
The findings were detailed in a press conference held in Seoul, South Korea by Samsung mobile chief DJ Koh. According to Koh, the batteries were the culprit. Both the original and replacement batteries had manufacturing defects. And though the root causes were different in each case, the results were the same, reports Forbes.
The Galaxy Note 7 was fitted with 3500 mah lithium ion batteries, which should have enough space to allow negative electrodes to remain straight. However, those manufactured by company subsidiary Samsung SDI were found to have deflected negative electrodes, which caused the batteries to overheat and explode.
As a result, Samsung recalled and reissued all Galaxy Note 7 phones in September.
Replacement batteries were made by Hong-Kong based affiliate Amperex Technology, but were likewise defective. Welding burrs penetrated through the separator and insulation tape, causing negative electrodes to be in direct contact with the positive tab.
In some cases, batteries were missing the insulation tape altogether. According to the subsequent investigation, both factors were linked to the phone overheating and potentially catching fire.
Samsung ultimately cancelled production of the smartphone model, and has had to re-assess existing safety measures.
Business Insider reports that along with the battery findings, the company has announced the implementation of a new 8-point battery safety check that’s meant to reassure consumers that safety is now top priority.
File footage of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7
File footage of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 as the company said it will announce the results of a probe on what caused some Galaxy Note 7 smartphones to catch fire.
Samsung Electronics says to halt Galaxy Note 7 sales on battery problem
Tech giant Samsung Electronics says it will halt the sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and will prepare replacement devices for phones already sold after finding problems with the battery cell used.
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New technology turns your skin into smartwatch touchscreen
A team of scientists have developed a new technology that can make the skin on your arm and hand act like a touchpad for a smartwatch. Continue reading
Finnish optical display could rival Google Glass
The era of bulky, geeky-looking smartglasses might be over. Developers in Finland have created a thin display that fits into ordinary eyewear.
A smartphone that keeps getting smarter
Sharp Corporation hopes that RoBoHoN changes the future of smartphones, by turning them into mobile robots. Sharon Reich reports.
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The writing’s on the wall with Phree smart pen
A smart pen which can translate doodles written on almost any surface into readable text on your smartphone has been developed in Israel.
Strong turnout, backlogs, as shoppers get to try Apple Watch
New watch draws crowds to Apple stores.