In an effort to take aim at competitors’ iPhone, Blackberry as well as the myriad of so called dumb-phones on the market, Microsoft Corp. has unveiled two handsets this week targeted specifically for social networking-savvy teens and twenty-somethings. Manufactured by Sharp and sold exclusively (as of May) in the U.S. by Verizon Wireless and in Europe by Vodafone, the device will come in 2 touch-screen models: a short, square-shaped handset called Kin 1 and a longer, more rectangular one called Kin 2.

According to many reports the devices will not be overtly branded as a Microsoft product as they will sport a “Kin” logo on the rear together with a smaller indication that they are Windows phones from Verizon and Sharp. Some additional features include:

• Both are black with screens that respond to multiple finger gestures, similar to the “multitouch” technology on the iPhone
• The shorter Kin 1 has a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out from the bottom, while the Kin 2 has a full QWERTY keyboard that comes out from its side
• Both include Wi-Fi access and cameras capable of taking higher-resolution photos
• The Kin 1 will include a 5-megapixel camera, while the Kin 2 will have a 8-megapixel camera
• The Kin 2 will also be capable of shooting HD-quality video.
• Neither device has a memory card slot; instead, the phones will upload content such as photos and videos to an unlimited Kin online storage service
• Zune software also will be incorporated into the devices

For a decent visual just click on the link for a hands on demo recently uploaded to Kin 1 Kin 2

Clearly the Kin is aimed at leveraging the world of social networking and keeping the youthful consumer constantly connected to their friends via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social networking sites. It is interesting to observe Microsoft specifically and directly chasing down an opportunity that most certainly exists with youthful, socially connected people. The devices seem to be tailored for folks who place a high value on the mobile social networking experience and being able to share what’s going on in their lives instantly whilst on the go. In simple terms, this product offering appears to be an all out play to capture a significant percentage of the socially connected mobile market. A market of young consumers, who once favourably influenced through use and familiarity, might be predisposed to graduate upward to a Windows 7 phone.

Needless to say we will be following this development closely here at the shop, especially with respect to pricing, contracts, data plans. Ultimately, the numbers will have to be appealing in order to compete effectively and attract parents and young people alike.