Huawei sneaks out Ascend W1, first Windows Phone 8

Windows Phone 8 got another friend today as Chinese telecoms giant Huawei threw itself at Microsoft's fledgling mobile operating system.

Totally glossed over at its CES 2013 press conference, Huawei somewhat snuck out its first Windows Phone 8 handset. The Huawei Ascend W1 has a 4in screen with a resolution of 480x800 and measures a slimline 10.15mm thick.

Read more: CES 2013 news | Mobile phone reviews

On the inside is a 1.2Ghz processor and 5 megapixel camera. There's also NFC for touchy-feely data transfer. Judging by the most specifications we would expect the Ascend W1 to be a budget, entry level Windows Phone 8 handset.

Somewhat disturbingly Huawei said that the Ascend W1 was "inspired and powered by people". Quite what that says about the contents of its ample 1950mAh battery we're not sure. The company says that its people-powered phone will last 470 hours on standby.

Gloriously UK release details were available, a rarity at the US-focussed CES. O2 will be selling the phone in the UK in two colours - blue and pink. It will be available before the end of March in the UK, with exact dates and prices to be announced nearer release.