Review: Microsoft Kin TWOm / Kin Two

Verizon and Microsoft jointly announced the Kin One and Kin Two smartphones with a large marketing campaign on May 6^th. Before the end of June, the devices were pulled from shelves do to very disappointing sales. The problem with these devices was that they were classified as smartphones that required expensive data packages, but didn't have the high-end features of the iPhone or Android handsets.

Fast-forward five months later and the phones have been rereleased by Verizon, this time dubbed the Kin ONEm and Kin TWOm (m is for modified). The rereleased phones are now marketed as "feature phones" without the required data packages. Debundling the Kins from the data plans was all it took to transform them from the worst smartphone to the best feature phone.

Data Services Off / WiFi On
The first thing you should do when opening your new Kin is to disable the data connection if you don't want extra charges showing up on your account. You can do this by logging onto the Verizon Wireless website. After logging in, click on Change Features, scroll to the bottom and click Service Locks. There will be an option to Block All Data Services. This will make sure you don't start racking up huge data fees on your account. Also in the wireless settings is the option to turn WiFi network discovery on.

Even without constant internet access, I have found my email update throughout the day whenever the device catches a random network. Not only that, but the few times I've needed to use the internet browser so far, I was in a WiFi hotspot.

Features removed from the Kin ONEm and Kin TWOm:
Because of the lack of a data plan on these phones, many of the built-in social networking and cloud storage features have been removed from the device. In addition, a feature called The Spot, which let users share content, has also been removed.

Features added to the Kin ONEm and Kin TWOm:
There are a few new applications that have been added to the modified Kins. The first of which is a calendar app, which isn't syncable with your email calendar, but lets you add events with customizable reminders. Another new app is the calculator, which is pretty self-explanatory and includes basic calculator functions. These applications, especially the calendar, were missing from the original release and drew the ire of critics.

Features from original Kin left intact:
Other features of the Kin Two include 8GB of internal storage, a 3-row slide out QWERTY keyboard, an 8 MP camera w/ LED flash and 720p video recording, threaded text messages, a favorites screen that allows you to program your top contacts with pictures of each, access to Zune Pass, an FM radio tuner, mp3 player, and an alarm.

Future Updates?
It is yet to be seen if these devices will get any future software updates or new apps such as the instant messenger (IM) client that was rumored to be coming before the phone was pulled over the summer. It might depend on sales for the relaunched device, but even if sales are good, I wouldn't get my hopes too high since Microsoft is focusing on the Windows Phone 7 platform.

Final Thoughts
The lack of IM client was the one thing that had me hesitant, but after learning about AIM over SMS, I was content enough with that solution.

Even though the resurrection of this phone could be come to an end at any time if sales remain low or if stock runs out, the 8MP camera, 720p video recording, and WiFi internet sold me on this device that lands somewhere between a feature phone and a smartphone, especially considering the $49 price.

If you need internet access 24/7 then move along, but if you're a text-er who is in the market for a new phone without a data plan, this is by far the best option currently available.

More Info:
KIN™ TWOm @ Verizon Wireless
Microsoft Kin Forums