The Kin is Dead
It should never have been released. At least now Microsoft can focus on Windows Phone with a singular focus, and hopefully release something competitive. Just about the only interesting thing about the Kin was that Microsoft sold it and branded it as its own entity, like Zune and Xbox, and not a platform living on other vendor's hardware1. I think if the Windows Phone platform is going survive it'll need to be on the back of Microsoft-branded hardware, because they certainly won't be able to compete with Android in selling the OS to OEMs -- unless they're willing to license it for free to buy up market share2 or the initial wave of Windows Phone devices are appropriately successful. The Zune HD is an attractive piece of hardware, certainly nicer than the vast majority of Android phones, and its industrial styling is unique enough to distinguish it from the iPhone. What's stopping them from releasing their own high-end, premium handset?
- Both Kin models were made by Sharp, but not explicitly branded so.
- I wouldn't be shocked if Microsoft did offer the OS for nothing, at least initially. Loss Leaders are nothing new for Microsoft.