Verizon and Microsoft jointly announced the Kin One and Kin
Two smartphones with a large marketing campaign on May 6th. 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
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