Buy it now -- ZTE Open Firefox phone comes to eBay

Chinese electronics company ZTE has announced that it's to start selling its Firefox phone on eBay in the US and the UK. Available only in a fetching shade of orange and unlocked for use on any network the phone will cost $79.99 in the US and £59.99 in the UK.

The ZTE Open offers an affordable smartphone based entirely on open web standards using the Firefox OS. It has all of the functions you'd expect of a smartphone including calls, messaging, email and a camera, plus additional functions like built-in social network integration with Facebook and Twitter, location based services and access to the Firefox Marketplace to download apps.

Dai Wenhong, VP of ZTE Corporation says, "It is great honor to launch the ZTE Open Firefox OS phone worldwide through eBay. ZTE is devoted to providing more options for customers globally and enabling them to live better lives via advanced technology. The ZTE Open offers customers a smartphone experience at an incredible price point, making it ideal for cost conscious consumers or those looking to upgrade to a smartphone for the first time".

By using the power of the web Firefox OS is able to adapt easily to the needs of the user. Search for a band for example and it will provide you with links to listen instantly, watch videos and buy MP3s or concert tickets all without needing to install extra apps.

Dr Li Gong, Mozilla Senior VP of Mobile Devices says, "Mozilla is dedicated to moving the Web forward as a platform for innovation and building products that people love. We are pleased that now we will put the full power of the Web in even more people’s hands. With a great potential user base, we know that even more developers around the world will create their apps with new APIs to stimulate an inspiring new wave of innovation".

Will the ZTE Open tempt you away from your Android or iOS phone? Or if you haven’t yet embraced smartphone technology could it persuade you to make the leap? Do let us know.