With social networking sites proving to be the standout phenomenon of the Web in recent years, it was only a matter of time before the mobile phone market would start to cash in on them. So behold the launch of the INQ¹, out on Three Mobile from December 5, and billed as 'the world’s most advanced social networking phone' according to INQ.

Although phones have been able to offer good Internet access for a while with all the perks that this entails, including navigation to social networking sites, the INQ¹ is different because it is built specifically with social networking in mind.

With a single press of a button, owners of the new phone can find their way onto Facebook, Windows Live Messenger or Skype to network their day away. It is widely predicted that the phone will prove a hit with the youth market, and with a number of excellent features built in, such as the 3.2MP camera which is designed so that users can instantly upload their pics to the sites, it could well prove a Christmas favourite.

The low prices being offered will also be very appealing to the youth market. For £15 a month you can get the handset free of charge, along with unlimited access to networking sites, 75 minutes of calls and unlimited texts and emails. For an extra £5 a month you get the same but with 200 minutes. And if you want to go for the Pay As You Go option, then the INQ¹ will only set you back a very reasonable £79.99.

The sliding phone has also got the looks to go with the features, and despite the harsh economic climate I would not be surprised if INQ have a very merry Christmas indeed amidst the retail gloom covering the rest of the country.