Entelligence: Think Pink - First take on Microsoft's Kin
By Michael Gartenberg 
posted April 13th 2010 4:36PM
posted April 13th 2010 4:36PM
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.
In many ways, Kin is the extension and spiritual descendant of the Sidekick (which was a product of Danger, founded by the father of Android, Andy Rubin, and later acquired by Microsoft). At its core, the Kin philosophy is guided by the proposition that one size device doesn't fit all, and specific demographics have different mobile needs.
Kin is not designed as a horizontal platform like Android, iPhone or even Windows Phone 7. It's targeted at a younger demographic with an emphasis on social communicators. Its feature set isn't designed for the mass market and that's exactly what might make it a success. To me, there are three important take aways.
First, mature platforms and markets fragment. This is true of just about all markets. There are features, designs and other factors that all target different users and demographics. It's something that's just starting to happen in the mobile space and Microsoft is wise to get ahead of this curve. If one-size-fit all, and the only focus was on utilitarian functions we'd all drive Honda Civics, wear Timex watches and use BIC pens. We don't -- and the reasons that we don't are what make Kin look very attractive.
"Few devices embody the intersection of mobile and social networks as well as Kin One and Kin Two do." |
Finally, the intersection of mobile and social networks is here. Few devices embody the intersection of mobile and social networks as well as Kin One and Kin Two do. The ability to tie networks together into a cohesive universal view in a way that's not cluttered or look like a user experience suffering from attention deficit disorder is a breakthrough. The result is a new type of user that's able to move from communication to collaboration, and extend that conversation from one-to-one to one-to-many. The implications are huge as the social interactions create trusted and real time information flows that are contextually relevant. The net result? A new type of user that is empowered to make fewer mistakes, creating a larger global and social memory that can be tapped into anytime and anywhere.
Kin shows Microsoft is taking mobile seriously. As a complement to Windows Phone 7, it's a bold move to capture the thought and leadership for an important demographic. By creating a new user experience centered around social communication and interaction beyond voice or even text messages, Microsoft has upped the stakes in mobility and raised the bar for the next generation of devices and leveraged platforms.
@Gartenberg
"There are features, designs and other factors that all target different users and demographics."
Hey, I think you're right. Didn't that work really well when Microsoft released the Zune HD and grabbed the entire marketshare of people who demand HD radio on their mp3 players. Welcome to the social, indeed!
The big demograph Microsoft is targeting with the Kin are the kids out there who HATE games. The kids who love the social aspect of facebook, but hate all the games on there. They don't want the games to get in the way of all the chatting and updates. What's wrong with an iPhone or an iPod Touch?!? Too many games and apps for kids these days. That's what Gartenberg & Ballmer think, at least.
mtf
@mrtexasfreedom
the zune hd is a great media player. unfortunately people are blinded by apple and their marketing.
@tegz
Wow. Apple has really good marketing. I mean, its so...hypnotic. I wonder if Obama used multicolored backgrounds and silhouette dancers he could get the Public Option through!
To succeed Verizon must offer affordable voice and data plans for these phones. One reason the Sidekick sold well was the special plans TMo offered.
@hated one
with grammar like that, i'd be more worried about how you even had a son in the first place.
I agree, it's not something many of us would get, then again we are a minority. This things has a chance hell if it did a few other things I might get it.
this article is a good read, but i'm just not sure the sidekick audience exists anymore. this kiddies, and the hipsters, all want iphones now...
A phone targeted at tweens, teens and college kids. Not saying that these will be the only peope buying the KIN one, two but we all see what Microsoft is doing. There is a market of users not being targeted to this level with a devoted variant OS. I just did a quick little research on feature phones on Verizon. They have the normal data option of 25MB with mobile email for 9.99, add in 250 messages for 5 bucks. I would be surprised if they didn't add some new KIN plan for 15 bucks for data and messages. Now we know most of the core users will most likely be on their family plan. These phones will have to be dirt cheap with a $15 data plan or Microsoft might be shooting for the wrong market. Every parent has a budget for their kid and this phone might fit right in
@Michael Gartenberg
"The ability to tie networks together into a cohesive universal view in a way that's not cluttered or look like a user experience suffering from attention deficit disorder"
What are you kidding?
No matter what you think of the phones, the interface is definitely 100% ADD and cluttered. Combined with a small screen, and wow, you HAVE to be young to even figure it out, much less enjoy it.
Michael, you've got your priorities screwed up. A good coffee & bagel beats tech any day. You'd appreciate that more if you lived in a gustatory wasteland like, say, Washington, DC (where I'm stuck).
Seriously, I usually don't like this "Entelligence" feature, cause 90% of time I think he just misses the point, or give a UScentric idea that's not really true. But I agree, this article is one of the best from him. Great job!
Oooooooooooooooops!
Kin is dead already!
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/microsoft-kin-is-dead
If this was the best article by Michael, then I don't know about his not so good ones. Some people claim to understand the market and dish out "entelligence" about where things are today and where they are going tomorrow and are 100% wrong most of the time. It may be time for these people to look into different line of work!
MISS!