Windows Phone 8 to support full-HD displays by 'end of this year': Report

Microsoft is planning to bring support for full-HD displays to its mobile OS Windows Phone 8.

A report by The Verge indicates that Microsoft will issue an update later this year that will bring support for 1080p resolution to Windows Phone 8. Presently, Windows Phone 8 supports only WVGA, WXGA, and 720p resolutions. The update will reportedly also add support for devices with displays that measure 5-inches and bigger.

The update, reportedly called General Distribution Release (GDR3), will also supposedly enable support for quad-core processors, paving the way for Windows Phone 8 devices to compete at par with its Android counterparts, at least as far as pure specifications are concerned.

The update, known as a General Distribution Release (GDR3) for Windows Phone, will set the stage for new devices set to debut for the holidays. HTC had originally planned to release a "Zenith" flagship device with a 4.7-inch display and quad-core processor, but the company reportedly cancelled its plans as the device would have a lower resolution than its competing Android models. We understand that the GDR3 update will also provide support for new Qualcomm processors, allowing manufacturers to opt for quad-core devices with Windows Phone.

The report notes that the update will be different from the planned Windows Blue update, that aims to bridge the gaps between Microsoft's Windows 8 OS and Windows Phone 8 mobile operating system.

Microsoft had originally showcased Windows Phone 8 in June last year, with first devices based on the OS shipping the second half of 2012. Windows Phone 8 added support for dual-core processors, 720p display, microSD and NFC support, Internet Explorer 10, Wallet, Nokia Maps and UI changes like user resizable tiles. (Also see: 8 new features in Windows Phone 8)