HTC dropped plans for a large-screen smartphone using Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone 8 software because its resolution would not have been comparable to those from top-flight competitors, according to a Bloomberg report.
The report, citing an unnamed source, noted that Windows Pone 8 software doesn't support resolutions as high as those of Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android platform. HTC decided that the phone could not be competitive against those from Samsung Electronics and even HTC's own Android offerings, the report said.
Microsoft and HTC declined to comment, according to Bloomberg.
As The Verge notes, Windows Phone 8 currently supports resolutions up to 1280 x 720 (720p) and 1280 x 768. HTC just released its Droid DNA smartphone for Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) with a 5-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution for a 1080p display. However, the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note II, which runs Android and has been well received in the market, offers a 720p display.
Microsoft has retained relatively strict requirements for its Windows Phone 8 hardware partners in order to prevent application fragmentation. With Windows Phone 8, the company allowed support for dual-core processors and different screen resolutions. For Microsoft, the decision by HTC to not launch a 5-inch phone is a blow, but the company is already hyping two new HTC Windows Phones, the 8X an 8S, as well as those from Nokia (NYSE:NOK) and Samsung.
HTC has been banking on strong Windows Phone sales in the fourth quarter to help reverse sales declines. The company reported earlier this month that November sales fell 31 percent year-over-year, though they were up from October.
For more:
- see this Bloomberg article
- see this The Verge article
- see this Engadget article
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