Ionic screen stopped working, showing vertical lines

[Suni_b]

2 days ago, I experienced a freezing issue on my ionic when I tried to start the timer (on the clock).  I dismissed it and went to settings and shutdown, then restarted the watch.  It restarted, but I still couldn't get the timer to work.  I ignored it as the watch worked.  I completed my workout, sync'd up and continued.  Later that evening, I received a call and couldn't answer it from my watch as the screen was dark with vertical lines fading in and out.  The flashing green light was fine and it still appeared to be connected to my phone.

I've tried two versions of the hard reset and while the watch turn on (green light in the back), the display seems to be the problem.  I work in an office, my gym workouts are HIIT and I do yoga -- none of these activities or conditions should lead to a screen issue within 18 months of buying at $400+15% tax (Cnd) watch.

Yes it's out of warranty, but seriously is the fitbit that flaky and is flaky at this price point considered acceptable by Fitbit?

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity 

[SilviaFitbit]

Welcome to the Community @Suni_b. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Ionic and our Support team. 

Sorry to hear that you had this experience with your watch. It is particularly difficult when the device is no longer covered by the warranty, but even tough Support is eager to help with any problem you may experience with the product, they do need to adhere to the official warranty policy, this would start counting from the original date of purchase.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the quality of Fitbit devices, comments from users are always useful to continue to improving the quality of products and services. 

I'll be around if you have any additional questions. 

[Suni_b]

Thanks for the reply @SilviaFitbit. The concern that I have is that the firmware update released seems to be identified as the reason for the screen issue.  If this is the cause, what responsibility does FitBit take for releasing software that breaks the device, renders is unusable and then forces the user to buy another fitbit device?

[zerodameaon]

So far Fitbits stance is the firmware didn't cause this, so if you have no warranty too bad.

[SunsetRunner]

Don't be so nieve. They would say that. I agree with  suni b.