Analysis about Versa 2 firmware update

[CainHS]

Background

Been using Fitbit since 11 Dec 2019. Got it as a gift for Xmax, 2019.

It was a good experience. Tracking steps, exercise (Badminton, Basketball), normal rinsing with soap. Just like my previous. It is still working since 2016.

Upgraded to Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update (72.1.9) on 2nd week of Jan 2021. On the third week, it started having some swipe from top or bottom issues. Unresponsive touch. However, clock face is fine. Heart beat is fine. Alexa is fine. Well, only touch screen issues.

On the 4th week of Jan 2021, the screen got blacked out. Heart beat, steps, sync, notification vibration, alexa to Dyson fan works fine. Contact support, it requires repair. Since it is out of warranty, there is no repair nor promotion at the moment. Later part of the week, the screen miraculously came back. But swipe is worst. The touch from the left of the screen is not resposnsive at all. Well, it still can connect to my phone. Heart Tracking, steps, alexa, notification, vibration still works. Just that notification I cannot review past notification.

First week of Feb 2021. The screen becomes dim. Well, it still works. So no complains. There is a feeling of it going bad...

13 Feb 2021. Welcome to CNY. Day 2 of Year of Ox.
Enter the Matrix.

Analysis

Could there be water damage? Can't be sure unless doing physical forensic. However, based on past experience with electronics, this could be overheat of LCD module/driver.

Based on the evidence, I do suspected the new firmware update causes high temperature/overheat and lack of cooling of the hardware makes the device goes down due to premature wear and tear.

Otherwise, it may also be that this watch is only designed to last for 1 year. I am using Screen Wake, so the screen should not be overheating in this aspect. I could have gotten a bad batch of watches. Well, just my luck that it dies off 2 months after warranty ended.

Conclusion

Do not have itchy hand to upgrade to latest firmware. Let everyone else testbed the firmware IF you cherish your USD$200 watch. Especially when fitbit announce this ambiguous statement

This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

The Matix flicker screen is especially interesting. Like an old CRT TV flickering.

Enter the Matrix video 

Feedback to Fitbit

1. Be transparent to users on the fixes to users. Some improvements may not be necessary for users.
2. Do a technical code review of the latest firmware rolled out to users.
3. Test the new firmware thoroughly before rollout. Especially load test and burn out test if it is not part of the test plan.
4. Allow users to downgrade/reinstall firmware if necessary. Especially so in the event of lack of test.
5. Enhance thermal protection. In the event if the watch has a roadmap for more computative intensive features to be rolled out in the future roadmap.
6. Enhance shock protection of the watch. If normal exercise usage which the watch is designed for causes hardware components to fail, some shock absorption design must be catered to. Maybe a collaboration with Casio for the Fibit X G-Shock watch could help.

Hopefully, the next Versa 3 does not experience this issue. I really like the form factor and the functionality of it does what it is designed to do, as part of your lifestyle.

Keep it up, fitbit.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

Moderator Edit: Formatting

Moderator Edit: Content - Promoting

[RicardoFitbit]

Hi @CainHS, welcome to the Community Forums. 

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and personal experience with your Fitbit device, I understand your situation and how frustrating this matter can be for you. I'd like to let you know that we are always striving to improve the Fitbit experience with our products and services, therefore, the feedback that's shared here in the Community Forums is always appreciated and really helpful for us to evaluate our procedures and make sure that we are delivering what our users want and need.

Let me know if you have any additional questions, I'll be around.