Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recalled due to serious fire, burn hazards

BOSTON — Samsung has recalled about a million Galaxy Note 7 phones due to serious fire and burn hazards.

The recall was announced in coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Thursday afternoon in a news conference.

News of the recall hit just a day before Apple's new iPhone 7 hit stores. Samsung's main competitor began selling the latest upgrade to its smartphone line Friday morning.

The company likely hopes the Samsung recall would bolster sales of the new device -- which has debuted to somewhat less fanfare than in years past.

The CPSC said there have been at least 92 reports of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries overheating in the United States, including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage -- including car and garage fires.

Anyone who owns the phone is told to contact their wireless carrier, visit the place of purchase or call Samsung toll-free at (844) 365-6197 to coordinate a refund or replacement.

The phone has only been available to US consumers since August of this year.

Cox Media Group