Earlier today I brought a little bit of insight into what Microsoft’s KIN is all about. Or, at the very least, who helped mold the devices and software running behind the latest Windows Phone platform.
Let me be very clear about this – the KIN does not compete with Android, the iPhone, Palm or BlackBerry devices. Think of the Sidekick generation, but a little older. Just a little.
I rely on my mobile devices to get work done and have a little fun when I can. The KIN is strictly for those who want to stay connected with friends, text (a lot), gossip and share. If I were back in school, I’d most definitely rock one of the KIN devices. But it does have a few hang ups.
• You can’t upload images to Twitter
• No calendar (I don’t want to input every appointment and party in the social calendar)
• There’s no built-in IM client
• Screen brightness doesn’t appear to be adjustable
So far that’s all I can really find to be lacking on the KIN One.
The keyboard is pretty good. The space bar is a bit crunchy. And the phone dialer is in an awkward spot that I mistake for the Alt button. But I’m sure I’ll get better as time goes by.
The KIN One’s 5-megapixel camera is pretty decent as far as camera phones go. It’s quick to fire up and shoot. You can’t really ask for more than that.
Speaking of which, the Studio is pretty damn cool. KIN devices are pretty robust, but there’s really no need to leave the Studio for anything. I can check Twitter feeds, Facebook updates and RSS feeds from one portal. But I’ve only had the thing for 12 hours, so I’ll take a step back for now.
Pre-orders begin May 6 for the KIN One and KIN Two with in-store availability on May 13. The KIN One comes in at $50 after a 2-year contract and $100MIR. The KIN Two is $50 more at $100 after a $100MIR and 2-year contract. You’ll have to opt in for Verizon’s $30/month data plan.
You can read more about KIN over here.