Microsoft confirms third Live Tile column for 1080p handsets only

Microsoft on Monday made the GDR3 update for Windows Phone 8 official. Besides adding some new features like Drive Mode, which disables texts and calls while driving, and a screen orientation lock, the update now allows OEMs to build a Windows Phone with a screen as big as 6 inches that can support resolution of 1080 x 1920. It also allows manufacturers to stuff a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor inside a Windows Phone. Considering the recent momentum that the platform has obtained, this update is key to Microsoft competing with iOS and Android.
 
On Monday, we told you that any ordinary Joe or Judy could update their Windows Phone 8 handset using the backdoor (albeit losing the warranty in the process) which means that many of you were hoping to see an updated Start screen with a third column of Live Tiles after installing the update. If you were one of those looking forwarded to an updated Start screen, by now you must realize that it is not part of GDR3 for currently available phones running the platform.

As it turns out, the third column of Live Tiles will be available only on those Windows Phone 8 handsets sporting a screen with FHD resolution. That means even the top-shelf Nokia Lumia 1020 will have to keep the current two column Live Tile layout. We do expect to see the three column Live Tile screen make its debut with the 6 inch Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet, which is expected to be unveiled October 22nd in Abu Dhabi. 

source: @joebelfiore via PhoneNews.co, GSMArena