Samsung Galaxy Note 8 release date, specs, news: Samsung to continue Note brand name despite issues

A promotional image for the Samsung Galazxy 7 Facebook/SamsungMobile

Even if the production of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was discontinued abruptly, the company will keep the brand name alive and will continue on releasing products for the series. Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Note 8 will arrive in 2017.

The sort-of confirmation came through a published report that involved Galaxy Note 7 customers. Samsung will have an upgrade program for customers of the problematic device that traded them for the Galaxy S7. These customers will then be able to upgrade their existing device to either the Galaxy S8 or Note 8 Android device next year, according to a previous report by Reuters.

The only condition required for individuals enrolled in the upgrade program is to pay at least half the price of the Galaxy S7 device before replacing them with the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy Note 8.

The move is said to be in line with the company's attempt to make their loyal customers stay, especially in their home country. This is aside from the financial incentives of 100,000 won ($88.39) the company is offering affected patrons.

Lee Jae-yong, the company's vice chairman, acknowledged that it will take months before things get back to how it was before, especially now that they are one flagship phone less in the market. Their best hope now lies on the upcoming Galaxy Note 8, Tech Crunch reported.

Meanwhile, rumors suggest that the upcoming flagship phablet will contain 8 GB of RAM, a fingerprint scanner built right into the screen, a new design, and a new camera. It is also speculated that the device will be out by the early months of next year, and could have a price tag of around $850.

In related news, the Samsung Galaxy S8, another alleged upcoming flagship device from the South Korean electronics manufacturing giant, will be unveiled at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2017. The event will start on Feb. 27, while the media event for Samsung could happen a day earlier.

As with the previous releases, there is normally a two-week waiting period before it is released in the market. It is then speculated that the Galaxy S8 will be available on or before March 13.

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