Samsung took out advertisements Monday in major US
newspapers to apologize for the Galaxy Note 7 scandal
in which fire-prone batteries forced a global recall of the
popular smartphones.
The full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal, New York
Times and Washington Post admitted the company "fell
short" on its promise of delivering "breakthrough
technologies that enrich people's lives."
"For this we are truly sorry," the company said.
It promised a full and open investigation into the Galaxy
debacle.
The huge South Korean manufacturer was forced to
recall some 2.5 million of the flagship Galaxy Note 7s
following complaints that its lithium-ion battery
exploded while charging - and at other times. The
company also had to recall the first replacements it sent
out to consumers after they proved just as dangerous.
"We will re-examine every aspect of the device, including
hardware, software, manufacturing and the overall
battery structure. We will move as quickly as possible,
but will take the time needed to get the right answers."
(Also see: Samsung to Issue Galaxy Note 7 Update
Forcing Users to Hand Back Phones)
The ads also noted the recall that Samsung announced
last week for nearly three million clothes washers to fix
the tops, which could become loose and fly off while the
machine is running.
"Safety remains our top priority," the company said.
The smartphone problem resulted in a 30 percent plunge
in Samsung's third quarter profits and appeared to boost
phone sales for rival Apple.
