While Verizon's recent price drop on the Microsoft Kin isn't necessarily the nail in the coffin for the social media-focused phone, it does signal that the handset may be in critical condition.
The Kin's struggle doesn't really surprise me, and there are 3 reasons why it's time for Microsoft to start the grieving process.
1. Not very app-ealing.
Even though the phone itself is aimed at the social media savvy, it has no apps. The problem is that apps have become the new mobile phone staple. App development is becoming a legitimate industry in its own right, and the Kin wasn't able to capitalize.
2. Cheap phone, steep plan.
You would think that a phone without smartphone capabilities would at least be able to cut down on service costs, right? Unfortunately not, with the $30 phone requiring a $7o monthly data plan. And although I really like the design of the Kin (especially the turtle-like Kin 1), the price was just too much for a phone without apps.
3. No Android? No iOS? No thanks.
Apps are important in a mobile phone, but the operating system is even more important. Right now, anything that doesn't run on the Android or iPhone operating systems is going to have a very difficult time gaining ground in this market.
Maybe that will change when Microsoft launches their Windows Phone 7 OS in a few months, but for now they might as well say their goodbyes to devices like the Kin.
