http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/08/entelligence-heads-i-win-tails-so-do-you/ and http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/entelligence-of-ebooks-and-suburban-moms/ One of his best.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
I understand what microsoft is doing with "Kin"

-tapping into the sidekick and dumb-phone market(tweens and hipsters)

-creating a stepping stone to wp7

-changing the perception that Microsoft is "complicated and ugly"

So with that in mind compare this device to a voyager, or an ev2, both immensely popular dumb-phones from Verizon.

-hi-res camera with flash
-fully integrated into all of the most popular social networks
-keeps a charge for more than two days
-pretty ui-design
-the "omfg it's new" factor
-the "omfg it has a touchscreen" factor

I was at school, looking at engadget today, and a couple of my friends(not into tech) saw the kin1 and 2. They asked me what it was, I told them it was new phone coming out, with a built in zune, that holds everything online, with a myspace-esk system so that you can transfer and see it anytime.

They're mouthes dropped, and the questions poured in.

1st question:how much
a:Idk but it's supposed to be cheap

2nd question:what service
a:verizon

to which they all whet googly eyed saying how small and cute the kin 1 is and, how "sick" the kin 2 looked. My friend actually wants to by the kin 2 once her upgrade comes

minus zune functionality... It may not be our wet dream, as tech-nerds but to everyone else(everyday consumers) this phone looks orgasmic, once the features are on the table, and when compared to other dumb-phones the're really is no comparison at all.

This is something a lot of you aren't thinking about when it comes to these devices, and if this is someone's first smartphone(moderately) , and it proves to be a pretty good situation, whose to say that same consumer won't graduate to wp7 later on?

I for one think that with Verizon service, the ideas and features coming from Microsoft + the reputation and marketing genius of "danger" will make this phone successful, and if it does spawn the reputation of being "the new sidekick"... that's definitely not a bad thing for Microsoft's pockets.

While our eyes are locked on things like wp7 and the evo

The kins demographic's eyes are focused on the next voyager, or sidekick... and compared to those... the kin is definitely a beast, good job Microsoft I understand where your going with this... on a side note though... please add multitasking to wp7... seriously that's the only thing keeping me away form buying a wp7 device this holiday season.
]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 6:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 6:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://bit.ly/microsoft-kin-impressions
]]>Apr 13th 2010 6:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
I'll distill the gist of what you're saying, since I agree:

Once us nerds can collectively get over ourselves, we'll realize from a business (and consumer) perspective that these phones will probably have mass appeal. Just like the iPhone, and the iPad, and any other device that we high expectation-ers decry for lack of functionality.

To be sure, I'm one of those people -- but when I really think about it, I rarely even use half of the components in devices that I think need.

While the vocal minority clamors for futuristic specifications, most people are content with things that work well and look "cool." ]]>Apr 13th 2010 6:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
Thanks, Laura!

P.S. -- Nice 'stache. ]]>Apr 13th 2010 6:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
I'VE BEEN DISCOVERED!

< vanishes in e-smoke >]]>Apr 13th 2010 7:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
I'll be more specific, wtgig post looks like a carefully crafted piece of communication, or maybe he/she is just an impartial but effective communicator.

If it is an attempt at viral marketing/astro turfing at least it is better than the dancing shop employees campaign from last year.

http://www.bradslavin.com/2009/11/16/microsoft-store-in-mission-viejo/
]]>Apr 13th 2010 7:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Seriously. I usually always complain about Gartenberg but I do like this one.]]>Apr 13th 2010 7:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
I might have read what you wrote incorrectly, but did you just imply that my post was part of a viral marketing ploy for Microsoft??? if so, I'm touched lol but it most definitely is not.

I'm just sharing my opinion about "the kin", and what I think it's purpose is :-)... which btw doesn't mean I'm buying one, but that's only because It's not meant for my demographic as I said earlier.

at the moment I own a pre(love it), and until I hear legitimate good news about palm's upcoming position in the smartphone world. I will be flocking over to the evo, or whatever htc's wp7 device will be(if wp7 receives true multitasking) just like the rest of us hahaha]]>Apr 13th 2010 7:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
When you compare this to all the other dumb phones out there it blows them out the water and has the "wow" that Vista lost. From a commercial POV this should do great for MS.]]>Apr 13th 2010 8:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/u nailed it..i agree not every body sports a bb n iphone...kin defly has a plush market to go after..only time will tell]]>Apr 14th 2010 2:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 14th 2010 6:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
Great post, this phone is going to be great for it's target market.]]>Apr 14th 2010 10:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
The UI is a hotmess of a clusterfuck.

Not sure what MS is thinking here. The iPhone 3G is 99 right? And I've heard in some areas it's 49! I mean why would any kid go choose these ugly phones over the beauty of the iPhone.

And for all the Apple Haters lets throw in the Palm Pixi or heck Pre. Those are down in price significantly since launch. And then there's the myriad of dumbphones from LG, Samsung, etc....]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
The sidekicks have ended up being cheaper because that data charge has typically been far less. But no word on what the plans will look like for these devices. It should still be cheaper than $90/month.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
please dear god.... let there be ONE engadget article that doesn't have a troll posting about infamous "apple haters"...
]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
These phones are awesome for teens who care about social networking, but you dumbfucks just don't get that.

And iPhone for 99$? Only under contract. These thing are gonna be like 150$ without contract.

The UI is just awesome. It's a lot like what WP7 is gonna be. And IMO it's really nicely organized, when you know what's going on there.

And you sir, are an Apple fanboy.

Cheers.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Let's see what the target demographic says. Fragmenting the market has pros and cons. It can lead to devices that are more effective for the people they are targeted to (by omitting stuff they aren't interested in and doing a better job of what they do care about). On the downside, it can be confusing and migration can be difficult. The biggest problem is that this particular demographic has the attention span of a gnat on coke and also demands their personal objects be cool (not something that is easy to plan for since they decide that, not some focus group in an office).

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
As for the UI, as Gartenberg rightly says, it is designed for a specific demographic, one which one would imagine, hardly frequents Engadget and thus is unlikely to share the same opinions as yourself.

You must also not forget that yes the iPhone 3G is $99 in the states, but in Europe where it will be sold sim-free, it will likely be half the price of the sim-free 3G. Price, you must remember is one of, if not the biggest factor for teens when deciding upon their new phone.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
"a hot mess of clutserfuck"

Thank you so much for this phrase.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
"@TheLondonExchange Agreed the phones are ugly. I don't get why, or anyone else, would want one over better and prettier devices that you mention."

#1 Nether of you, despite you high opinion of yourselves, speak for the personal tastes of everyone.

#2 Because you dont speak for the needs or wants of everyone on the planet.

Once you figure that out, you would never make such a statement again without feeling foolish.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
you would have been highest ranked if you didnt mention the iPhone.

They ARE ugly phones, and the ui IS and ugly clusterfuck that isnt sure if its running sidekick or motoblur or wp7, so it just throws them all together in a blender]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
I think the UI is ingenious (don't like the color scheme), in particular the Kin spot. Is this phone for me? No, I'm not even registered on any Social Networking sites, but I can still recognize that this will be a huge improvement over current "messaging" marketed phones like the LG enV line.

We don't know what the price of these phones will be, and more importantly we don't know the price of the data plan. When those details are revealed, then we can make comparisons to other phones and plans. You may very well be right, if this device falls under a smartphone data plan I'd be inclined to agree with you. ]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Let me know how it turns out. I'm a member of Gen Zzzz unfortunately, but have a definite interest in this demographic as I directly fund two members of it....


]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Assuming it ever gets to Europe... If the Zune is any indication, these devices may never make it over the border, let alone across the sea. Sad, really.]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/The reason people will buy this ahead of the iPhone is because of one thing - to get to your social networking you still need to download apps. When given the choice between a device where you have to figure that out, then download them, install them, and use each separately, and one where all you do is input your login details one time and have instant access to all your accounts at once, I know which one a hell of a lot of people will choose.

So yeah, to cliche the hell out of it, if you don't want it, it's not for you.]]>Apr 13th 2010 6:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 8:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
Overpowered dumbphone, or under-featured smartphone... I think KIN depends on who's looking at it. I would like it as a secondary phone since I have a Droid already.]]>Apr 13th 2010 8:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/The point isn't figuring out how to do it, it's having to do it in the first place. Imagine a man and a woman driving somewhere. They end up getting lost. The man says "I'll just keep driving until I see something I recongnise, shouldn't take too long". The woman says "Let's just ask for directions". Both might get you where you're going, but one is a damn sight easier than the other.]]>Apr 14th 2010 5:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
But it's a lousy social networking device.

Sincerely,
iPhone 3GS owner]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/The Kin1 is definitely a rounded product!]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
...and designed to match my Ben10 constume outfit....ohh yeahhh! Now just make another one to match my hana montana undies and consider my brand loyality to be yours till I stop wetting my bed. Deal?]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/
"I agree completely with the whole concept of Marketing products toward demographics"

I love how this is some sort of revelation on these tech blogs. Welcome to remedial marketing.]]>Apr 13th 2010 7:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/I wonder how your mind works mate. 'oooooh, engadget post, lets go there as fast as possible and say the iphone is the greatest thing in the world regardless of the article. job done, now i can rub it against my iballs'


]]>Apr 13th 2010 5:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/entelligence-think-pink-first-take-on-microsofts-kin/Apr 13th 2010 5:22PM