huawei ascend w1

UK mobile operator O2 has confirmed pricing and availability of the Huawei Ascend W1. The Windows Phone was previously reported to be heading to the UK late next month, but the company has announced shipping will begin on March 7th. It's a mid-range Windows Phone 8 smartphone, which was unveiled earlier this year at CES.

Early last month, at CES 2013, we gave you a hands on look at the Huawei Ascend W1. An entry level phone that we expect to do well in emerging markets. At the time we told you that the device should be available here in the US during Q2 on either regional carriers or some MVNOs. Turns out this little device powered by Windows Phone 8 will coming soon to TracFone Wireless, under the Net10 brand of service.

Huawei and Microsoft have had an odd relationship. It first looked like Microsoft was trying to distance themselves from the Chinese OEM due to political factors back in mid-October. It was believed they’d be ready for the Windows Phone 8 launch, but instead the company pushed back the reveal of their Ascend W1 handset to CES 2013. Now, the two are cozying and partnering up for a joint launch of a handset in Africa – the Huawei 4Afrika.