GDR3 update to Windows Phone 8 will pave way for Full HD and quad-core devices
Nokia is preparing to launch a Full HD phablet with a quad-core processor, according to a rumour.
A source 'familiar with Nokia's plans', but is no longer on the team has let slip that Nokia will launch its first phablet – a smartphone crossed with a tablet – later this year. My Nokia Blog suggests that the device will be revealed in September along with a couple of other handsets.
So far, Nokia's Lumia smartphones have been relatively small in the grand scheme of the things. The firm typically opts for 4.5in but recently announced its biggest smartphone to date, the Lumia 625. The latter only has a 4.7in display, though which doesn't qualify it as a phablet.
See also: Sony Xperia Z Ultra hands-on review.
There's no rumour of an actual screen size but the report says that the device will have a screen which is 'definitely' larger than 5in. The rumour mill suggests 5.5in which would qualify it as a phablet in our book.
It's likely the screen will be Full HD (1080x1920 pixels) and be powered by a quad-core processor. These are two features which existing Windows Phones are unable to support but will be able to with the upcoming GDR3 update.
See also: How to update a Windows Phone smartphone.
It is expected that the GDR3 version will included a needed rotation lock option but even more needed features like a notification centre and improved multitasking will not arrive until next year with Windows Phone Blue.
Many requests for new features have come from manufacturing partners like Nokia and HTC.
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