Meet Kin, Microsoft’s New Phone Aimed at Social Networkers

Microsoft has long been rumored to have been working on another cell phone related project besides Windows Mobile 6.5 and Windows Phone 7.  Now we have confirmation of that in what is the Kin 1 and Kin 2, touch screen, qwerty enabled phones geared towards those that social networks also covet.  The phones, available in the US in late May or early June, will be available on the Verizon Wireless network.  Vodafone is planning a European release at a as of now undisclosed time.

This marks new ground with Microsoft having total control over the hardware (manufactured by Sharp) and the device software.  It also marks new ground with Microsoft injecting the mobile arena with three different platforms, when Windows Phone 7 and Windows Mobile 6.5.x are thrown into the mix.

Is this a smart decision?  Time will tell.  Microsoft may be planning on saturating the market and providing an option for almost every potential cell phone user.  We already have Windows Mobile, aimed at the business and techie crowds, Windows Phone 7, aimed at the media enthusiasts and social networkers of the world and now the Kin, aimed at catching everyone in the gaps.

Such a venture might be smart, or it may lead to consumer confusion. You be the judge.  What are your thoughts?

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