Samsung has permanently halted production and sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after failing to correct a problem that was causing the devices to burst into flames.

The episode is a major embarrassment for Samsung (SSNLF), which was forced to recall 2.5 million Note 7s shortly after the phone was launched in August.

The South Korean firm then started to issue replacement phones but a number of customers have reported that those devices also caught fire, including one aboard a passenger jet.

What a blow to their brand. I feel for them.