Samsung Delays the Galaxy Fold

Days before its official release, Samsung has made the decision to delay the Galaxy Fold. The phone was sent to reviewers with many finding it had problems that would cause the phone to become unusable, seemingly due to the folding display. It was due to release this Friday, but Samsung has told CNBC that they will announce a new release date in a few weeks while they try to fix the issue. The scary thing is that this seems to be a hardware issue rather than a software issue, meaning many phones were already built and will go to waste. At this point, Samsung's move is the best move they could make, but it's hard to believe that a $2,000 phone is suffering from such an issue. This could be a glimpse as to how AirPower's release could have gone had it not been canceled. Those who had the chance to demo AirPower in 2017 say it often didn't charge devices properly. Imagine if it was released and it didn't work properly most of the time or if it overheated and posed a safety threat. It's a rarity to see tech companies make moves like this due to the quality of a product, but when they do, it's important to learn from it, for both the company and its competitors.

The Third-Generation MacBook Pro Butterfly Keyboard

The surprise announcement of a new MacBook Pro keyboard led to people wondering if the third-generation Butterfly keyboard would alleviate any of the issues presented with the second-generation. Apple advertises it to be quieter, which seems to be true. However, iFixit says that this is actually a side effect of Apple's new measure to keep dust out. There is a silicone barrier beneath the keys to prevent dust from getting into the keys and creating input issues. While it's not a hundred percent certain that this barrier was made to prevent dust from entering the key, it certainly is a pleasant surprise at least.

Apple Launches Butterfly Keyboard Repair Program

Apple has launched a special repair program for MacBooks and MacBook Pros that have faulty butterfly keyboards. Symptoms are described by Apple as "letters or characters repeat unexpectedly, letters or characters do not appear, and key(s) feel "sticky" or do not respond in a consistent manner." I know that my "b" key constantly does repeat inputs and my "j" key for a while was messed up. In short, Apple will replace keys or the entire keyboard after their examination for free. Check the official program to check for eligibility.

Belkin iPhone X Screen Protector Available Again

After not being on the market for almost two months, the InvisiGlass Ultra Screen Protector for iPhone X is finally available again. They were taken off the market after they started cracking under normal use. It is now 0.29mm thick instead of 0.21mm thick. It should be noted that Apple Stores will use a tool to help install Belkin Screen protectors. It is available for $39.95 on Apple’s website [Direct Link].

The Cause of Samsung Galaxy Note7 Explosions

According to Reuters, Samsung has concluded that the cause of the Note7 battery explosions were... the batteries. I must be a next-tier news source, because I predicted that several months ago. My second guess was the stylus. In all reality, Samsung wasn't able to replicate any of the explosions, so this was the best they could do. 

Samsung Will Reveal More Details of Note7 Explosions This Month

Samsung, after having a rough 2016 with their flagship phone discontinued due to exploding Note7 phones, will finally be releasing their findings of what caused this later this month [Source: Reuters]. For months, people, myself included, have been speculating what could be the cause of it. By now, we know it was the batteries in the Note7, but we don't know anything beyond that. 

Potential iPhone 6s Battery Shortage

After an announcement that Apple would repair the batteries of deteriorating iPhone 6s batteries, it seems that Apple Stores are low on stock. When I went to my Apple Store to get my battery replaced, I was told that every Apple Store in proximity was out of the battery and would not get one until mid-next week. This can be frustrating for many users as it seems to be getting exponentially worse. My iPhone shutdown twice while I was waiting. Hopefully, these batteries get back in stock soon, as many people are being affected.

Note: this is not a safety issue, just a matter of keeping our phones from shutting down.

Note7 Banned From All U.S. Flights

The United States Department of Transportation has officially banned the Samsung Galaxy Note7 from all U.S. flights. It is labeled as a "forbidden hazardous material." Not only are they banned from carry-on luggage, but also cargo. All of this, even if it's powered off. If you try to get past this, you could potentially face criminal prosecution. Safe travels everyone!

Samsung Offers $100 To Note 7 Users That Stay Loyal To Brand

After the Samsung recall and discontinuation of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Samsung is hoping to soften the blow to it's user base by offering $100 to stay within the Samsung ecosystem [Source: TechCrunch]. To receive this, an affected customer in the U.S. must exchange their phone to another Samsung phone. The credit will vary, but it can be up to $100. After all is said and done, Samsung is expected to lose $17 billion from this issue. Perhaps this should be taken as a lesson. Lithium-ion batteries are closer and closer to us, and as we incorporate them into our earbuds and watches, it may be important to be wary of them at times.

Samsung Discontinues Galaxy Note7

In an somewhat expected, yet surprising move by Samsung, the Galaxy Note7 has been permanently discontinued for safety reasons [Source: The Wall Street Journal]. The exploding battery issue has become too dangerous for Samsung to take any risks. In addition, Samsung stock dropped almost 10%. If you own a Note7, please power it off and return it. Note that you cannot bring a Galaxy Note7 on a commercial airline, as they are a flight risk. Your options are likely limited by owning a Note7. I highly recommend exchanging it for another smartphone of your choice. 

Samsung Halts All Sales of Note 7

Today, Samsung announced that they would be halting all sales of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 worldwide until further safety investigation has been conducted. This is understandable, as several of the replacement models meant to alleviate the exploding battery issue have already exploded. You can't help but feel bad for Samsung though, because many have been waiting for the next generation Note, and having to wait longer to be able to have piece of mind can be frustrating, especially so close to the holiday season. Another scary thought is that since the replacement models were designed specifically not to have this issue, how can anyone be sure that the problem is truly gone? Samsung is asking all Note 7 users to stop using their phones and power them off.

Replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Catches Fire on Plane

According to The Verge, a replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has caught fire on a Southwest flight as it pulled out of the gate. Luckily, no one was injured. The phone started smoking at around 80 percent in the owner's pocket. It may be noteworthy that Brian Green, the owner of the phone, only used a wireless charger to charge the device, however, that should not have any correlation. These replacement phones were meant to alleviate the exploding battery issue that initially caused the phone to be recalled. Samsung has not commented on this development.

Image Credit: The Verge

The Cause of Samsung's Battery Issue

The ultimate cause of why Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries have been exploding can be traced back to one simple reason, according to Bloomberg, reports of a lackluster iPhone 7. With this news, Samsung engineers started rushing this product to market. Employees even stayed overnight at their offices. A consequence of this was rushing their suppliers. Batteries were of poor quality when rushed, causing these reports. Things got worse when Samsung tried to handle the issue. They took it into their own hands to handle the recall, instead of contacting the Consumer Product Safety Commission in a timely manner, as is legally required. This created conflicting reports as how consumers should handle their Note 7s. It weird to think that Samsung's edgy competitiveness could've caused something like this. It's not the end of Samsung, but it will be remembered for some time. To think at the announcement, them mocking the rumors of the iPhone 7 not having a headphone jack could've been their biggest mistake. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 users should be advised that they may be affected by a recall. Samsung has stated that the battery cells used by the Note 7 are causing some of the devices to catch on fire and even explode. Many speculate this is because the battery cells are of poor quality. American customers should be able to replace their phones by next week. For the inconvenience, Samsung will offer a $25 bill credit or $25 gift card. Until this is resolved, many are recommending finding a spare phone to hold you over until next week. If you can't do that, be sure to not leave your phone unattended while charging it. Although it's unlikely to happen, you can never be too safe when it comes to this kind of situation.

Apple Recalls New MacBook Charger

When the new MacBook launched, it was charged via a USB-C cable. These cables are being recalled, at least, cables from before June 2015. Although, Apple doesn't say that there are any safety risks, Apple does say that your MacBook may not charge properly with these cables. You can tell whether your cable is affected by checking the text on the cable. Affected cables only say "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." There is no serial number. Fixed cables have the same text, but with a serial number. If you provided a mailing address when you bought your MacBook (by registering the product or through the Apple Online Store), then no action is required and a new cable will be sent to you. Otherwise, either go to an Apple Retail Store or contact Apple Support.

Apple Recalls International Wall Plugs

If you have a wall adapter (doesn't affect U.S. models), you may want to check if you are affected by a new recall by Apple. Apple says the plugs could cause electric shock. These adapters were designed for Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand, and South Korea. Affected models were also sold in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit. To check your model, look in the slot of the plug (shown below). If it has 4 or 5 characters or no characters at all, your model is considered affected. If it has a three letter regional code, it is a redesigned model and not under recall. To receive a new, redesigned adapter from Apple for free, just check out their recall page. Stay safe everyone!

NOTE: Digits depicted in affected models vary. Affected models are not limited to the numbers "4913" and can be 4-5 characters, or have no characters.

Quality Program for MacBook Pro Display Issue

Apple has just launched a new quality program for MacBook Pros with Retina Displays affected by the delaminating of the anti-reflective coating found in MacBook Pro displays. Affected models would resemble the display shown below. Apple will replace the display of affected models at no cost within three years of the MacBook's original purchase date. To begin the process of getting the display replaced by Apple, either check your email for an email from Apple notifying that you're eligible, go to an Apple Store, or contact Apple directly.

Image Credit: MacRumors

iSight Camera Replacement Program

A small number of iPhone 6 Pluses have a faulty iSight camera that causes fuzzy images, even while the camera is perfectly still. Apple has started an iSight Camera Replacement Program for iPhone 6 Plus. If you have unusually fuzzy images from your iPhone 6 Plus, check your eligibility on Apple's site for the program. You will need your serial number.

Nest Stops Selling Protect!

Nest has stopped selling their smoke and carbon monoxide alarm due to tests showing that emergency alerts could unintentionally be silenced because of it's flagship feature, "Nest Wave." Nest CEO, Tony Fadell, wrote a letter on the issue.

To the Nest community: 

Since introducing the Nest Protect: Smoke + Carbon Monoxide alarm, we've heard touching stories from many of you about how we've helped keep you and your families safe. I consider your safety a huge part of my job and it’s something I think about and take pride in every day. At Nest, we conduct regular, rigorous tests to ensure that our products are the highest quality. During recent laboratory testing of the Nest Protect smoke alarm, we observed a unique combination of circumstances that caused us to question whether the Nest Wave (a feature that enables you to turn off your alarm with a wave of the hand) could be unintentionally activated. This could delay an alarm going off if there was a real fire. We identified this problem ourselves and are not aware of any customers who have experienced this, but the fact that it could even potentially happen is extremely important to me and I want to address it immediately.We feel that the best and safest thing to do is to immediately disable the Nest Wave feature to resolve the issue and remove any safety concerns. While we fix Nest Wave, we have also halted sales of all new Nest Protect alarms to ensure no one buys an alarm that needs an immediate update.

- Tony Fadell

Nest CEO

Nests should be back on store selves in 2-3 months.

iMac 1 TB Hard Drive Failures

Apple has recalled iMacs sold between October 2009 and July 2011 with a Seagate 1 TB Hard Drive. The recall is in place due to possible failures. This introduces their iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program. You may receive an email if you own an affected iMac. Apple will replace the drive free of charge.

To learn more, go to apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/.