[citation][nom]hibyprime[/nom]I don't think there was anything about the kin phones that was deal-breaking. Sure they had issues, but other phones at the same price point have always had even more glaring issues.It's nice to compare every low end smartphone to the iPhone or Droid or [insert $500+ phone here] - but it just doesn't work like that.I think that the problem was lack of advertising - at least where I live (Toronto) - I did not see a single ad for the kin phones. Even if they didn't sell them here, you still usually see american ads on TV.[/citation]
The problem is that most carriers are going to charge you through the nose for a smartphone, no matter what kind of smartphone it is. Even giving away a phone, compared to spending $200 on an iPhone 4 or android device, is a joke when the monthly bill for the phone is probably close to $100 either way. That $200 is a drop in the bucket of a 2 year contract cost. This has created the situation where anything less than the best is simply passed over.
If Microsoft (or any other handset "maker") were to come up with a phone that would auto-magically use a data gateway for all SMS activity (requiring no txt plan or fees), and use streamlined data interfaces for all social networks to ensure low data usage, they would have a *goldmine*. Offering a phone that acts "smart" without requiring $30-50 more a month for the privilege would be an instant success. Sadly, not too many carriers would be enthusiastic about supporting such a device.
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