According to a report by Android Authority, more people are still using the banned and discontinued Samsung Galaxy Note 7 than the likes of the HTC Bolt, OnePlus 3T and the LG V20! The data was gathered by Apteligent and is a part of their "2016 Mobile Year in Review" report. While this is embarrassing for the competitors and perhaps even good publicity for Samsung, we are not sure that this is exactly what they wanted to see at the moment, given that they have discontinued, banned and recalled each and every one of these smartphones.

It isn't the same for everyone though, because the Google Pixel phones and the Sony Xperia XZ have successfully crossed the Note 7 in terms of the number of current users. In order to deal with the headstrong customers who would rather tout a potentially dangerous device in their pocket and near their family and friends than returning it for a refund/exchange that also comes with added benefits, Samsung has decided to brick all operational Note 7s from the orbit with updates. One such update which will disable the Note 7's antennas, thereby cutting off Wi-Fi and all cellular reception, has already been launched in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In the UK, an OTA update will limit the capability of the Galaxy Note 7's battery of being charged to more than 30%. In the US, the battery will simply stop taking in any charge at all after the bricking update manages to set in.

Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)

Samsung had only recently concluded its research on why the Note 7 started to catch fire and we already have a new report which is suggesting that in light of the new findings, Samsung has decided to delay its previously scheduled release of the S8 from February, 2017 to April, 2017. In case you are wondering as to what exactly Samsung has found which resulted in the company taking such a big decision; know that the Korean electronics giant has held that information from a public revelation, as of now. Nevertheless, if you can't wait for Samsung to release the official statement, take a look at what Instrumental had independently unveiled two weeks ago as the cause of the Note 7 related fires.

The source further details that the exclusive launch event will be held in New York City sometime during the month of April. Apparently, the roughly two month's delay will be utilized by Samsung to gain the confidence of its customer base back through a number of campaigns and strategies. At the global strategy meeting that is currently being held at the headquarters of Samsung in Seoul, South Korea, President Koh Dong-jin has once again stressed on the importance of keeping things under a tight lid, as well as maximizing security on every front prior to the release of the Galaxy S8.

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Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)

Earlier in the year, it had been officially confirmed that the Galaxy Note 8 (or whatever they decide to call it!) will indeed be coming later in 2017 as always, but it was obvious that quite a few changes were in order. The most important change had to be on the battery front as Samsung had primarily blamed the batteries supplied by Samsung SDI as responsible for the Note 7's tendency to catch fire and explode. However, as it turned out, that was not the case as replacement batteries supplied by a different manufacturer also started to explode. Samsung decided to recall and put the Note 7 out of production altogether in light of the potential safety issues and a new report from South Korea is suggesting that they may have even turned to their arch-rivals, LG.

LG Chem is the department responsible for making the batteries that power LG smartphones and Samsung could be discussing a deal with them. If the deal goes through, then the next Samsung Galaxy Note could feature batteries supplied by LG Chem. According to the report, "The talks have not yet been completed but it seems highly likely for the two firms to sign a deal." Keep in mind that Samsung is also negotiating terms with Chinese battery manufacturer, ATL. ATL did supply a portion of the batteries featured in the Note 7, but I am not sure if any of their batteries exploded. No official confirmation regarding the report has yet been made by Samsung.

Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)

Source

AT&T has a plan for its customers which technically will allow you to own two Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge smartphones for the price of one. However, as is always the case with carriers in the US and around the world, there's the fine print that you should read and consider carefully before buying into any plan. Read the excerpt from AT&T's own website below to get an idea of how the "free" device scheme will work out for you, if you opt for it.

"You will need to pay tax for the retail price of both devices at sale and low monthly instalment payments will be added to your bill.
You will need to make up to your first 2 instalment payments for the free device before your credits start. However, don't worry, just remain active and in good standing and keep your free device on its instalment agreement and, on your 2nd or 3rd bill, your monthly bill credits will start. When the credits start, you will receive credits for the up to 2 instalments you have already paid."

If a customer deactivates the chosen service before all bill credits are paid out, he/she will have to pay the remaining price of the second Galaxy S7/S7 Edge.

Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)

If you are into mobile gaming, Samsung has a Galaxy Game Pack for you, provided of course, that you using an S7 or S7 Edge. You can call it a Christmas promo or just rewards for staying loyal to the Samsung brand after the Note 7 disaster, but if you play games like Clash of Kings and Hearthstone, you are entitled to receive a number of exclusive in-game content like coins, credits, cards etc. This offer is brought to the S7/S7 Edge users by Samsung through partnerships with the likes of Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Gameloft, Blizzard Entertainment, Goodgame Studios and many others.

The Google Play Store has all the freebies associated with the current offer as well, instead of being exclusively available on the Galaxy Apps Store as we expected. Check the list of games that fall under the Galaxy Game Pack below.

• Clash of Kings
• Hearthstone
• Asphalt 8: Airborne
• Need for Speed: No Limits
• Olympus Rising
• Empire: Four Kingdoms
• Genies and Gems
• Vainglory
• Nonstop Knight
• HIT
• Plants vs Zombies Heroes
• Hungry Shark World
• Marvel Contest of Champions
• Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes

Saikat Kar (tech-enthusiast)