Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/m...one-roots-wit/

If you can't sell your own product (OS), then you shouldn't let anyone else succeed with the same (thus the sudden encouragement of feature phones).

Did you except this rather odd move?

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

Official page: http://www.kin.com/

Kin Two reminds me of the Sony Mylo.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

I think it's just a sign that the consumers are graduating from 'really plain phones' to basic ip-capable phones with IM/social services...

At least their market research thinks this is a worthwhile segment to target with those 2 products.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

"Tweens".

I'm seeing more and more 10-18 year olds with "texting" phones. As much as I hate to see these "spoiled kids", I can't help but think how much easier my childhood would have been, when trying to get the guys together for a game/match.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

I would like to know the price of the Kin Two. Seems a nice phone, at least for everyday use. Hey, at least it's not Apple.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

Yeah, but its a "Sharp".

:p

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

Man I really hate the look of those phones.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

Yup... I suspect that's it exactly... building brand dependency, I mean loyalty early. :)

I imagine we will start seeing more and more "Bing" mobile apps and services too.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

Remember, companies need to create items for the segment of the public that is only interested in twitter / facebook /etc.

In the same way that we have pay-per-month phones where a customer might make 3 calls a month, we have Kin products where people don't care if they can maintain a website from their phone as well.

It will be interesting to see what sort of sales these see, and if it will only be Verizon or any other networks. Any more data geared phones on AT&T before they expand would be amusing.

Re: Microsoft announces its first... "dumbphones"
 

It seems they are trying to confront Blackberry in their better doing age segment (16-24), hence the big keyboards.