Giving in to flickergate, Microsoft finally admits that there are cases where a firmware or driver update can’t fix the problem.
Owners of the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 detachable have been complaining for almost as long as the hybrid has been around of screen flickering that renders the display unusable — frequently just after the warranty has expired. It’s so rampant it has a name — Flickergate — and a discussion board.
Microsoft finally gave in and admitted that its attempts to fix the problem with firmware and driver updates have failed, creating a program to replace faulty Surface Pro 4s less than 3 years old with refurbished models. (Since the device shipped in 2015, at this time they’re all under 3.) It also says it will refund people who’ve paid for out-of-warranty service already.
Note that about a month ago, a post appeared in the forums that indicated a law firm was looking into a class-action suit on behalf of the over 1,800 owners who’ve complained about the issue. However, you might be justifiably wary of replacing a faulty unit with a refurbished version of the same product.
And if you have a MacBook, don’t gloat. Apple’s replacing faulty batteries on selected MacBook models, and there’s a petition asking Apple to replace the butterfly keyboard that can be tripped up by a speck of dust, and it’s already garnered over 16,000 signatures as I write this.
