Microsoft Kin Two Full Specs Pricing and Insights

Overview of Microsoft Kin Two

The Microsoft Kin Two, a device that served as part of Microsoft's foray into the mobile phone industry, combined social networking features with standard handheld functionalities. Released in April 2010, the device was ultimately short-lived, yet its unique attempt to blend social networking with a feature phone design is worth examining for its innovation and ambition.

Design and Build

The Kin Two was designed with a youthful demographic in mind, featuring a sliding QWERTY keyboard that was conducive to text messaging and social media interaction. The dimensions of the phone, 115.1 x 65.3 x TBC mm, offered a comfortable and portable feel without compromising the keyboard's utility. The handset sported an understated black finish, aligning well with the sleek design preferences of its target audience.

Display and User Interface

Equipped with a 3.4-inch TFT display, the Kin Two provided a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels at a 3:2 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of about 170 ppi. While not groundbreaking by contemporary standards, the display was adequate for viewing images and executing basic tasks, such as browsing and chatting. The interface centered around social connectivity, organizing contacts and updates into an interface designed to streamline digital social interactions.

Camera Capabilities

The Kin Two featured an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus capabilities, complemented by an LED flash for low-light photography. It facilitated video recording at 720p, providing users an opportunity to capture high-quality photos and videos. Although it lacked a selfie camera, which was a drawback, the primary camera's specs were commendable considering the device's primary focus on social interaction and communication.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Kin Two housed an Nvidia Tegra chipset, driven by a 600MHz ARM 11 processor and backed by 256MB of RAM. This combination delivered satisfactory performance for a feature phone, supporting basic operations and applications intended for its platform. The internal storage offered 8GB, with no option for expansion, which was viable for storing essential apps and media albeit somewhat limited for today's multimedia consumption standards.

Operating System and Software

The device operated as a feature phone, with software that closely integrated with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace—a distinctive characteristic at the time. It offered a unique social CRM feature known as "Loop," designed to deliver real-time updates and streamline communication with friends and followers. Additionally, cloud storage and services played a significant role, emphasizing Microsoft's approach to cloud-driven experiences.

Network and Connectivity

The Kin Two supported GSM and HSPA technology, providing users with reasonable speed for data services at 7.2/2 Mbps. Its connectivity features extended to Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, GPS, and a microUSB 2.0 port. These connectivity options ensured that users could remain well-connected, simplifying the process of sharing media and engaging on their preferred social platforms.

Battery Life and Sustainability

The device powered on a removable Li-Ion 1390 mAh battery, offering standby time of up to 232 hours. While this might seem limited today, it was competitive among feature phones at the time, providing sufficient battery life for daily activities centered around communication and social interaction.

Pricing and Market Impact

Priced at approximately 330 EUR, the Kin Two was targeted toward a mid-range market segment with a focus on younger users integrated to social networks. Despite the initial excitement, the device was ultimately discontinued due to various factors surrounding its market performance and uptake.

Legacy and Conclusion

Despite its brief lifespan, the Microsoft Kin Two represented an innovative attempt to bridge the gap between social networking and mobile communication. Though the market response was tepid, it remains an interesting study in the push toward integrated communication devices. The lessons learned from the Kin Two’s journey likely contributed to Microsoft's later strategies in mobile technology, making it a noteworthy chapter in the evolution of mobile devices.