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Verizon may be axing Microsoft Kin sales entirely

Categories: Verizon, Windows Phone
By: , IntoMobile
Sunday, July 18th, 2010 at 4:52 PM

We all knew the Microsoft Kin phones weren’t long for this world after the software giant said it would be focusing on the upcoming Windows Phone 7 but we’re hearing word that Verizon Wireless may be cutting off sales entirely tomorrow.

The folks over at WMExperts have been told that all the remaining devices and associated accessories and advertising material will be shipped off to parts unknown. Hopefully, Microsoft CEO will keep one on his mantle as a reminder of what not to do in the mobile space.

I reviewed the Kin One and felt it was a good device that was ultimately doomed to fail. The handsets were targeted at hip people who want to be able to update their status at any time but didn’t want all the capabilities of a smartphone. That market just doesn’t exist – You couldn’t even download games on this thing!

What’s more, Verizon made the Microsoft phones require a full data plan. This means the monthly service charges on these handsets would be the same as the Motorola Droid X. While the Microsoft phones are superior to feature phones and quick-messaging devices, it does not compare with the current crop of smartphones.

It’s a nice, sunny day, so I’ll try and be positive. I think Microsoft can use some of the positive aspects of the Kin line to makes Windows Phone 7 stronger. I really liked the Kin Studio because this would automatically upload your photos and videos in the background and the Zune Pass experience was really solid.

Regardless, this is another black eye for Microsoft in the mobile space and it will have very little leeway when Windows Phone 7 comes out. It’s already being called a “disaster” by some, so Microsoft will have to show off something good.

Sad about your Kin? You can check out the memorial site to cheer you up and don’t forget to check out our full review.

Microsoft Kin One Review

[Via WMExperts, thanks for using our pic guys]

About The Author

Marin Perez

Marin Perez has torture tested cell phones and smartphones for industry leaders like CNET and InformationWeek. He remembers when 4G was just a screen on PowerPoint presentations and is fascinated with the amount of innovation out there. Marin has spent a lot of time with BlackBerry and Android but he finally broke down a bought an iPhone to see what all the hype's about. He also has too many tablets.

  • JoJo

    "Verizon made the Microsoft phones require a full data plan".

    No. Verizon didn't make Microsoft do anything.

    Microsoft made a hobbled handset that used lots of data, requiring Verizon to add the data charge. It was Microsoft's fault for not understanding the basics of the market that it is selling to. Kin wasn't a smart phone, but it used more data than most smartphones do, so that had to be paid for somehow.

    The same debacle will be repeated in the coming Windows Phone 7 disaster, which will hit the market in an unfinished state, lacking features that Android phones and iPhones already have. The Windows Phone 7 hardware specs mean that the handsets will be expensive, sending Windows Phone 7 into a Kin death spiral.

  • fans

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