Nokia might be being billed as the manufacturer set to serve up Windows Phone's first 'hero' device, but significant ground could also be made by the likes of ZTE, which traditionally aims at the more budget conscious consumer.

Indeed, the Chinese firm looks to be racing towards serving up its first devices for Microsoft's OS, with the company confirming its debut handsets should launch in Q3 2011.

Growing pack

"We are already working on a smartphone based on Mango and it will be launched in Europe," VP of ZTE's terminal devices unit, Jeffrey Fan, told Reuters.

ZTE, which has enjoyed significant success with its Android devices, will equip its Windows Phone handsets with Mango – the forthcoming major update to Microsoft's OS.

It's likely the company will face increased competition on platform, however. Unveiling Mango at a press event, the American giant confirmed existing partners HTC, Samsung and LG are set to deliver new phones to meet the WP7 update.

Meanwhile, new backers Fujitsu, Toshiba and Acer are also working on new devices, with Nokia's first phone expected early 2012.

[source: Reuters]