How Samsung Plans to Move Beyond Galaxy Note 7 Fire Debacle

Samsung disclosed the details about what caused battery defects that caused fires and explosions in Galaxy Note7 Smartphones and discussed product plans for 2017.

According to Samsung, its first-run and second-run Galaxy Note 7 units suffered from separate battery flaws. The first recall was due in part to an abnormal electrode within the battery that caused short circuits and overheating. In the second recall, Samsung found some batteries had manufacturing defects that caused direct contact between positive and negative electrodes, which also caused short circuits and rapid overheating. In other cases, the batteries failed because insulating tape was too thin or missing from the electrodes.

Samsung has promised better quality control of manufacturing processes. For batteries, Samsung said it will use an “eight-point safety check test” that will include an analysis of a smartphone battery’s durability. Testers also will inspect the battery with the human eye and via x-ray to see how it operates while it charges. They even will disassemble the battery to ensure it’s safe.

While Samsung said hardware wasn’t a problem in the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, the company still will make some tweaks to how its products are made. Specifically, Samsung will add brackets to areas around the battery to protect it and reduce chances of damage causing malfunctions.

Samsung similarly said software wasn’t to blame in the Galaxy Note 7. However, the company said that it will deliver better algorithms in the handset that manage “battery charging temperature, charging current and charging duration.” Those moves will “put safety first,” Samsung said.

In addition to creating new battery checks, Samsung said it plans to create a Battery Safety Design Standard. The idea is to improve its safety standards for materials that ultimately make up a smartphone’s battery. The better the standards, Samsung argued, the safer its handsets will be.

Samsung isn’t just relying on its own people to safeguard future batteries. The company has created a Battery Advisory Group made up entirely of advisers, academics and researchers who will have “a clear and objective perspective on battery safety and innovation.” The group has four members.

Samsung hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing back the Galaxy Note 7. In fact, the company is reportedly working on refurbishing the Galaxy Note 7 with batteries that aren’t subject to the aforementioned flaws. It’s possible, though not confirmed, that Samsung sells refurbished Galaxy Note 7 units this year.

In an interview with CNET, Samsung confirmed that it will maintain the Galaxy Note branding. The company said that it’s working on a Galaxy Note 8 that could find its way to store shelves later this year. Samsung didn’t share many details on its plans, but said that the handset will be designed to improve its relationship with customers and still deliver innovative features.

Samsung confirmed it’s working on a new high-end handset called the Galaxy S8. Over the last several months, rumors have been swirling over what the company has planned for the device. Samsung didn’t announce its plans, but tossed water on reports the smartphone would be unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February. It appears now that Samsung could be planning to showcase the new device in April.

Samsung has a lot of fixing to do in its relationship with customers. So, the company is trying to bundle major innovations and new features into its upcoming high-end devices. But Samsung is also cognizant of its need to rebuild relationships. Look for Samsung to offer some of its most compelling devices in recent memory while also keeping prices in check. Samsung’s handsets this year might prove more appealing than ever.