Want to Keep Using Your Galaxy Note 7 You Better Not Upgrade It After December 19th!

Samsung is fairly adamant about the fact that they don't want any of the remaining Galaxy Note 7 devices out there to cause issues. So much so that they have confirmed plans to release an update to the devices that will essentially make them useless!

In their announcement Samsung states:

Consumer safety remains our highest priority and we’ve had overwhelming participation in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program so far, with more than 93 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices returned.

To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19th that will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.

If you have not yet returned your device, you should immediately power it down and contact your carrier to obtain a refund or exchange.

With about 93% of US sold Note 7 returned Samsung still has about 133,000 phones unaccounted for. Meaning that despite all of the warnings and offers Samsung has made., some of you are opting to hold on to your devices and run the risk of the defective batteries causing issues. While I personally wouldn't opt for that option and would have returned by device following the recall. I can understand wanting to hold on to your phone. Especially since there just isn't anything out there to fully replace it.

If you are one of the bold few that don't want to heed Samsung's warnings and don't want to take advantage of Samsung's full refund and up to a $100 bill credit from select carrier or retail outlets. Then you better avoid any future software updates as it looks like they are going to do their best to brick your phones.

Update: Verizon has just confirmed that they will not be pushing the update during the holiday season as they are concerned that it may leave some customers without a device to use. they are further concerned that the update may make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation. They are however, still urging everyone to take advantage of the current offers for a full refund, exchange and/or the $100 credit.

Apple May Owe You A Free Battery Here's How to Find Out

If you are an iPhone 6S owner and have been having issues with your battery suddenly running flat or your device suddenly shutting down the problem may not just be you. It may in fact be due to a faulty battery and Apple may owe you a free replacement.

According to Apple's support page the problem affects "a very small number" of iPhone 6S handsets manufactured in September and October of 2015. The phone affected are limited to specific serial run so finding out if you are one of the afflicted is pretty easy! All you need is the serial number of your iPhone 6S and you can check it on the linked support page.

To find your iPhone 6S's serial number, go to Settings > General > About.

Once you have your serial number check it here.   If you qualify for a free battery replacement, you can take your iPhone 6S to an Apple retail store or an Apple authorized service provider, or contact Apple Support about sending in your phone for repair.

It should be noted that if you have any other issues with your phone such as a cracked screen Apple will require that it be repaired prior to replacing your battery. In either case Apple suggest that you make sure to prep your phone before you take it in, or send it off. To do so start by Back up your data to iTunes or iCloud. Then make sure you turn off Find my iPhone. Finally erase all your personal information and data by going to data and settings in Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings.

If you believe your iPhone 6s was affected by this issue, and you paid to replace your battery, you can contact Apple about a refund.