We have already had reports via Chinese publicationsÂ that ZTE was planning to release a Windows Phone handset in Q1 2013.

Now 3G.co.uk has been able to confirm the report and add some colour to the rumour.

They were able to confirm ZTE would be producingÂ at least one smartphone runningÂ Windows Phone 8, to be released in 2013.

They also said ZTE was hoping to release a premium Windows Phone 8 smartphone, as the company had the ambition to move up from their current bargain-basement brand.

They were however planning to price the handsets competitively, knowing their brand can not yet command as high prices as Samsung for example.

The company had already launched two Windows Phone 7 handsets, theÂ ZTE TaniaÂ and ZTE Orbit, and has recently announced that they expect Windows Phones to make up 10% of their shipments.

Source:Â 3g.co.uk