The Microsoft Kin One and Kin Two will be receiving firmware updates for the devices, scheduled for mid-summer. The update should help solve battery life issues, update the Twitter client the Kin uses, and more. An official confirmation is coming soon.
The KIN phones have been received with mixed reviews. While Microsoft has touted them as the ultimate “connected” device, they do lack some customization and a robust UI found in Apple’s iPhone and smarter Android devices. Having said that, the KIN family does have a place in the market. For those looking for a very intuitive, social-network-heavy smartphone, the KIN One and Two really fit the bill.
Will the KIN family survive, and mark a good resurgent effort for Microsoft to get back into the mobile phone world? They’re facing more stiff competition than ever, and the likelyhood of them grabbing any significant marketshare from Apple and Google will be a lofty task.
Published on July 2, 2010
Unfortunately, the devices have already been discontinued, and I cannot say it is a great surprise for me.
I don’t understand how the phones can fit the bill, as you are saying, seeing as the monthly plans start at around $70 and all you get is a weird hybrid between a smart-phone and a regular one.
Personally, I believe that the Windows Phone 7 will have a much greater chance of stirring the smartphone waters.