Developer | Microsoft |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Sharp |
First released | April 12, 2010 |
Availability by region | May–June 2010, "m" since December 2010 |
Compatible networks | CDMA |
Form factor | Slider/Texting phone |
Dimensions | ONE: 3.25 in × 2.5 in × 0.75 in (8.3 cm × 6.4 cm × 1.9 cm), TWO: 4.25 in × 2.5 in × 0.75 in (10.8 cm × 6.4 cm × 1.9 cm) |
Weight | ONE: 110 g (3.9 oz), TWO: 130 g (4.6 oz) |
Operating system | KIN OS (based on Windows CE) |
CPU | Freescale i. MX31L processor ARM Core nVidia Tegra APX 2600 |
Memory | 256 MB DDR RAM |
Storage | ONE: 4 GB, TWO: 8 GB, KIN Studio (unlimited) |
Rear camera | ONE: 5 MP, TWO: 8 MP |
Display | ONE: 2.6 in (6.6 cm), TWO: 3.4 in (8.6 cm) |
Media | Zune |
Connectivity | EV-DO Rev, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 |
Data inputs | QWERTY keyboard, Capacitive multi-touch |
Development status | Discontinued |
Kin is a line of mobile phones that was briefly marketed by Microsoft in 2010. Aimed at people between ages 15 and 30,[1] they were designed for social networking.[2] Microsoft invested two years and about US$1 billion developing the Kin platform,[3][4] beginning with its acquisition of Danger Incorporated.[5] The Kin was based on Windows CE.[6] They were manufactured by Sharp Corporation[7] and sold through Verizon Wireless.[8]
The Kin ONE and TWO went on the market on May 14, 2010. Within two months, Verizon stopped selling the phones because of poor sales.[9] Microsoft scrapped its planned European release, stopped promoting the devices, ceased production, and reassigned the Kin development team to other projects.[10] Microsoft updated its unsold Kin inventory with firmware that removed social and web-based features, and in December 2010 offered these re-purposed units through Verizon stores as limited feature phones, the Kin ONEm and the TWOm. The Kin TWOm was discontinued in August 2011;[11] unsold inventory could still be found for sale on deals sites as late as June 2013.[12]
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