By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones
CellphonesMediaMobile

Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones

Alfred Siew
Last updated: June 13, 2014 at 5:06 PM
Alfred Siew Published April 13, 2010
2 Min Read
SHARE

Google has done it, so why not Microsoft? Just hours ago, the software giant unveiled two self-branded phones aimed at getting the non-techy crowd on social networking services on the go.

Called Kin One and Kin Two, they look a little like a miniaturised Nokia N97 mini and a Blackberry with a slide-out keyboard. But hey, why change a proven design if rivals have made it work?

Both phones feature a Windows Phone OS that reminds one of the Zune HD interface, and will hook up to the music service seamlessly. But the OS – not Windows Phone 7 – looks like a hugely simplified affair, going by images and reports out so far.

Large icons of contacts and  their social media postings dominate the main screen, which seems a smart thing to get the non-techy crowd onboard. After all, they must first be able to see what the fuss is about Twitter or Facebook to be convinced, right?

Both phones sport handy slide-out keyboards – a pre-requisite, I believe, for winning over a group of users who are probably still toting candy-bar phones with traditional dialpads and are not familiar with a touch-screen (even though the Kins do support a touch-screen as well).

What I don’t like, going by what is known about the phones now, is a lack of a native instant messaging client. It also doesn’t sync with Outlook and doesn’t have an app store to hook up to.

Another piece of bad news for those of you reading this in Asia: I’ve just been told the Kins will not make it to the region. They will only hit the shelves in the United States and Europe next month.

You Might Also Like

With more foldable phones in 2023, which one should you buy?

Google Pixel 7a review: Smaller, cheaper phone is smart but comes with trade-offs

Singtel starts offering Azure public MEC to all businesses

Google Pixel 7a to cost S$749 in Singapore, but users miss out on Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet

A Goondu guide to hassle-free overseas mobile data for Singapore travellers

TAGGED: Kin One, Kin Two, Microsoft

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew April 13, 2010
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Singapore Great Electronics Sale 2010: This isn’t a tech gadget show!
Next Article iPad lands in Singapore
7 Comments
  • Christopher says:
    April 27, 2010 at 10:51 pm

    […] World: Twitter Gobbles Up Tweetie – LesterChan.net: Adobe Creative Suite 5 Announced – TechGoondu: Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones – The Register: Nokia announces Facetwittery-enabled phones – JustinLee.sg: High-Level Analysis of […]

    Reply
  • Charles says:
    April 27, 2010 at 10:31 am

    […] World: Twitter Gobbles Up Tweetie – LesterChan.net: Adobe Creative Suite 5 Announced – TechGoondu: Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones – The Register: Nokia announces Facetwittery-enabled phones – JustinLee.sg: High-Level Analysis of […]

    Reply
  • Eric says:
    April 26, 2010 at 9:28 am

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by UK Mobile Phones. UK Mobile Phones said: Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones http://bit.ly/aiLM6m […]

    Reply
  • Sapawi says:
    April 25, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    It seems that Microsoft doesn’t want to be left behind even in the smartphone competition.

    I heard these two smartphones, Kin One and Two are made by Sharp Corp. Quite really great phones too.

    Reply
  • Brad says:
    April 25, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by UK Mobile Phones. UK Mobile Phones said: Say hi to the Kin One and Two – Microsoft’s self-branded phones http://bit.ly/aiLM6m […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short
Audio-visual May 28, 2023
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box lets you plug in external watercooled graphics
Gaming PC May 26, 2023
With more foldable phones in 2023, which one should you buy?
Cellphones Mobile May 23, 2023
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 review: Earphones with premium build and excellent sound
Audio-visual May 22, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?