I haven't had the device long, got the names mixed up and didn't realise until after flashing that I'd downloaded the Mars update in error.
After finally managing to turn the device off (the power off dialogue needed to be pressed higher up on the screen), I was able to flash the Ares update using the Boyue guide. This all worked fine, but the touchscreen issue remained. Fortunately, the stylus still works (which wasn't the case with the Mars firmware) and so it can be navigated.
I installed a touchscreen testing app from the google play store and it looks like the alignment or something is messed up - drawing lines with my finger translates as light dotted lines appearing in parallel elsewhere on the screen, whereas drawing lines with the stylus looks normal. The home button at the bottom also does nothing.
From reading a thread on here (
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=333006) where someone had done the same thing with their Atila, I think the only way to fix this would be to reflash a backup rom from another Ares. One of the posters there mentioned that old firmwares for this device were used for softbrick fixes, but I've been unable to find any download links.
I'd be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction or suggest a better course of action to fix this.
Many thanks.