Microsoft's Kin Phone: A Deep Dive into Social Networking Integration

Microsoft's Kin phone, designed in partnership with Verizon and Sharp, represents a significant departure from the company's typical approach to mobile phone development. By heavily investing in the design and development of the hardware, Microsoft aims to create a unique user experience that deeply integrates social networking features. According to Robbie Bach, President of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, the company's broad Windows phone strategy includes a segment of deeply social network- focused phones, which the Kin addresses.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft's Kin phone represents a departure from the company's typical approach to mobile phone development, with a focus on deeply integrating social networking features.
• The phone was designed in partnership with Verizon and Sharp, with Microsoft taking a more hands-on role than in previous phone development projects.
• The Kin phone's design includes a PC connection called Kin Studio, part of Microsoft's multi-screen strategy.
• Robbie Bach, President of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, stated that the company's approach to developing the Kin phone was driven by a desire to deeply understand the social networker phenomenon and deliver a compelling experience.
• Microsoft's partnership with Sharp, Verizon, and Vodafone involved extensive collaboration and decision-making to ensure the Kin phone met the criteria for optimal social networking functionality.
• John Harrobin, Chief Marketing Officer at Verizon Wireless, believes the Kin phone will do well in the social networking segment, citing the popularity of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media applications.
• Microsoft's decision to partner with carriers and manufacturers early on in the Kin phone development process contrasts with Google's approach in developing the Nexus One.

Statistics:

• Microsoft invested heavily in the design and development of the Kin phone, marking a departure from its typical approach to mobile phone development.
• The Kin phone was designed in partnership with Verizon and Sharp, involving extensive collaboration and decision-making.
• 71% of social users access Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace on multiple devices, indicating high demand for social networking integration in mobile phones.
• 62% of customers use social media apps to connect with friends and family, highlighting the importance of social networking in mobile devices.

Sources:

• [Cris Valerio, Bloomberg News]
• [Robbie Bach, President, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft]
• [John Harrobin, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon Wireless]