Microsoft goes after social networkers with Kin line up: Verizon Wireless gains exclusivity at launch

The “social” generation tallied another victory this morning as computing giant Microsoft Corp. unveiled the latest attempt to infiltrate this narcissist, though apparently dominate, market made up of consumers that need to share everything they are doing, every moment of the day.
The foray involves a pair of devices originally named “Kin One” and “Kin Two” that Microsoft said will run a new operating system developed by some of those involved with Microsoft’s recently announced Windows Phone 7 operating system, but tweaked for a strong social networking focus. The devices have been rumored for some time under the Project Pink codename.
The devices will be made by Sharp Corp., which also make the Sidekick line up for T-Mobile USA Inc., and be available exclusively in the U.S. beginning next month through Verizon Wireless. An international version of the device will be launched through Vodafone Group plc, which owns 45% of Verizon Wireless, later this year in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Microsoft does have a history with Sharp as the Sidekick devices run an operating system developed by Danger Inc., which Microsoft acquired in 2008. The OS ran into problems last year when a glitch caused user information to temporarily be lost from the devices.
Device technologies were not announced, nor were any prices or rate plans, though it’s expected that the Verizon Wireless device will support the carrier’s CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network as the carrier was showing off its 3G coverage map during the device launch.
The social networking focus of the devices was highlighted by an user interface that compiles social network sites onto the home screen similar to what Motorola Inc. has done with its Motoblur OS that runs on Google Inc.’s Android OS. The features include the ability to upload and house pictures and videos from the device that are geotagged that can then be posted on social networking sites as well as backs up content from the device in case the device is damaged or lost.
(Also highlighting Microsoft’s aggressive play into the “social generation” space were the wrinkled dress shirts worn by executives introducing the device that also failed to get tucked in and appeared to be about a size to small. A Verizon Wireless exec on hand for the event managed to tuck in his short, find an iron and also wore a sport coat. Obviously he is not the target market.)
As for the device hardware, the Kin One sports a more rounded shape with a compact, slide QWERTY keyboard, while the Kin Two looks more like a traditional rectangular device with a larger slide out keyboard. The Kin One also includes a 5-megapixel camera that can shoot video, 4 gigabytes of onboard memory and a single speaker. The Kin Two is upgraded to an 8-megapixel camera that can shoot video in 720p resolution, includes 8 GB on onboard memory and has a pair of speakers.
Both feature a touch screen that allows for panning, zooming, and an embedded LumiLED flash that Microsoft said was eight-times brighter than traditional LED-based flashes. Both devices are also the first to feature Microsoft’s Zune media player that will allow access to music, videos, FM radio and podcast playback. Customers can also access the Zune store to purchase music or load their own music onto the devices.
The Kin devices, as well as the launch of Windows Phone 7 devices later this year, are seen as paramount to Microsoft regaining a foothold in the mobile space. The company was one of the first to provide an “open” operating system that was geared more towards enterprise users and has lost market share in the midst of the recent rush to more consumer-oriented OSs. According to a report from the NPD Group, Microsoft’s current OS offerings were No. 4 in market share at the end of 2009 trailing Research In Motion Ltd.’s Blackberry OS, Apple Inc.’s OSX that runs on its iPhone and Android. Microsoft did slot in above Palm Inc.’s WebOS, though that is hallow applause as Palm is reportedly putting itself up for sale as its OS has failed to garner much traction in the market.