Note7 debacle a reminder to make tech safe
The recent happenings involving Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones have led the letter writer to believe that the smartphone is a double-edged sword. Photo: AP
I refer to the report “Galaxy Note7 recall dismays citizens of S Korea, the ‘Republic of Samsung’” (Oct 24).
Following the Galaxy Note7 explosions and its recall thereafter, it seems to have been a nerve–racking experience for Samsung and its customers alike. This is probably the first time the South Korean phone maker is drawing such severe flak.
Also, to their chagrin, Note7 customers have had to go through the ordeal of waiting for a refund and were barred from carrying their phone onto planes owing to the ban enforced by major airlines.
The recent happenings have led me to believe that the smartphone is a double-edged sword.
Starting purely as a communication gadget, it is now replete with games, music and many more features: A one–stop shop for our needs.
The handheld device has become indispensable and has entrapped us. As with any tool, it has its pros and cons, though it is ironic that this valued possession could be a cause for alarm.
Never before has a smartphone threatened people more. That it can cause destruction as if it were a weapon is almost unthinkable. Nevertheless, this is not the first time we have heard of phones exploding.
There has been a nexus between phones and overheated batteries, causing them to burst into flames while charging.
Certainly, people have been warned against using their phone while charging and at petrol stations.
The Note7 debacle serves as a reminder that the most sophisticated of technologies could backfire someday.
In the interests of consumers, I hope these big companies invest time and money in developing safe technologies for a better tomorrow.
Let the adage that the consumer is king be so.
