Samsung Galaxy Note 8 release date, specs rumors 2016: Galaxy Note 8 model number leaked
Contrary to widespread belief, Samsung may not be ready to kill off its Galaxy Note line just yet.
Reports that the South Korean conglomerate may be getting rid of its Galaxy Note series emerged after this year's controversial Galaxy Note 7 recall, which was a disaster for Samsung. The company discontinued the Galaxy Note 7 just months after launch following a string of reported incidents of the device exploding. Samsung had to issue a couple of recalls of the controversial Note 7, which led to a huge financial hit. Since then, there have been rumors that Samsung will dump its Galaxy Note line to get rid of the association to the exploding devices.
However, tech writer Evan Blass, who frequently leaks accurate details about upcoming devices, recently revealed that Samsung is planning on dropping two Galaxy S8 phones and a Galaxy Note 8 in 2017.
Last week, Blass reported on the upcoming Samsung device, tweeting: "Samsung Galaxy S8 models are indeed skipping SM-G94* model numbers, will ship as SM-G950 & SM-G955. Know what else is in the works? SM-N950."
BGR notes that the number 4 is considered bad luck in Korea, which is why the company is skipping it in the numbering schemes for its products. As such, SM-N950, which is thought to be the Galaxy Note 8, follows the SM-N930, which was the codename for the Galaxy Note 7.
Previously, Blass also revealed that both the Galaxy S8 phones Samsung is releasing in 2017 will have edge displays. Earlier this year, reports indicated that Samsung is eliminating flat screens from future iterations of its flagship smartphones.
Meanwhile, CNET reports that Samsung has released a Galaxy Note 7 software update that limits the phone's charging to below 60 percent.
"Our absolute priority continues to be customer safety," Conor Pierce, Samsung's mobile and IT vice president for the U.K. and Ireland, said in a statement.
In addition, Samsung has also offered Galaxy Note 7 owners a replacement program that will allow them to swap defective devices for another Samsung device or receive a full refund.
"This new battery software update is specifically designed to remind all Galaxy Note 7 customers to replace their device at their earliest possible convenience through their local Galaxy Note 7 Replacement Program," he added.