Samsung orders the global shutdown of both sales and exchanges of Galaxy Note7

Sigh. The Galaxy Note7. What should have been a wildly popular and successful smartphone has become synonymous with failure, and fodder for jokes. As everyone knows, the phone has been exploding and catching fire, creating serious risk for consumers.

The phone was eventually recalled and replaced, although that process was bungled by Samsung -- there was much confusion. Not to mention, there was criticism that the recall was not initially an official one. With the issues seemingly in the rear view mirror, the scandal was over, right? Wrong. Now, the replacement models are reportedly exploding too. Enough is apparently enough. Following rumors that production of the phone was being ceased, today, Samsung orders the global shutdown of both sales and exchanges of Galaxy Note7.

Samsung issues the following statement.

We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place.

We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.

There you have it, folks. The Galaxy Note7 is, for all intents and purposes, dead. True, Samsung hasn't entirely ruled out selling yet another replacement, but that is certainly not probable. Both cellular carriers and consumers are going to be suspicious of the Note7, and Samsung would be wise to just end this nightmare permanently.

If you own a Note7 smartphone, you should immediately power it down and stop using it. Your cellular carrier should take it back, allowing you to trade it for a different model -- something like the HTC 10, iPhone 7, or Moto Z Droid.

Photo credit: Aquir / Shutterstock