Microsoft has just killed Kin phones. Yes, the Kin 1 & Kin 2 phones that were released in April this year have been discontinued just after 2 months. There are less technical and more business & profitability reasons behind this decisions. Where 1.7 million iPhone 4 units were sold in 3 days, Kin sales were largely underwhelming, selling 500 units since its release 2 months ago. While one reason could be ridiculously expensive pricing, another reason is that Microsoft wants to focus entirely on Windows Phone 7, that is set to launch in October this year, possibly with HTC Mozart. So, Microsoft has merged the Kin team with WP7 team. On the other hand, Verizon Wireless still believe that Kin was an important part of their portfolio.

Here is official statement from Microsoft, confirming the news:

We have made the decision to focus exclusively on Windows Phone 7 and we will not ship KIN in Europe this fall as planned. Additionally, we are integrating our KIN team with the Windows Phone 7 team, incorporating valuable ideas and technologies from KIN into future Windows Phone releases. We will continue to work with Verizon in the U.S. to sell current KIN phones.

via Engadget