Saturday, September 17, 2016

How to prevent smartphone battery fires



The battery overheating problems of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 have led to various efforts to mitigate the risk:
  • The company recalled the smartphone, so consumers should return or exchange it.
  • Airlines have banned the use of the smartphone or placing it in checked luggage on their flights.
  • A software update from Samsung will limit battery charging to 60% of capacity.
  • Some tech advice websites suggest disabling applications and background processes, limiting the use of games and web browsing, not using the device while recharging the battery, and avoiding third-party replacement batteries.

These suggestions range from risk avoidance to reducing the risk of overheating to reducing the consequences of overheating.  Many uses may simply accept the risk.

Links:
CPSC recall announcement: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Samsung-Recalls-Galaxy-Note7-Smartphones/
Bloomberg article about software update: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-14/samsung-limits-note-7-battery-charging-to-prevent-overheating
Tips: http://gadgetstouse.com/gadget-tech/avoid-overheating-problems-smartphone/18946
Photo: A Samsung Galaxy S3 that exploded in 2013, from Le Matin.

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