Microsoft last night unveiled ‘Kin’ – two new feature phones aimed at young, social networking consumers – in a strategy designed to improve its standing in the mobile sector. The software giant has worked closely with Japanese manufacturer Sharp on production of the two new devices, rather than concentrating on just developing the software (its usual business model). As a result, Microsoft claims Kin represents “the next generation of the social phone,” linking Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Microsoft apps in an effort to appeal to the 15-30 year-old market.  Both Kin One and Kin Two feature a touchscreen and slide-out keyboard, though One is smaller with a 5MP camera whilst Two has a larger memory, an 8MP camera, a wider screen and the ability to record HD content. Both devices are the first to feature Microsoft’s Zune media player. Pricing details have not yet been released. US operator Verizon Wireless will offer the devices from the beginning of next month, whilst Vodafone will offer the portfolio in Europe this autumn.

Interestingly, Microsoft’s product manager, Derek Snyder, told the BBC that the Kin user of today will become the Windows Phone 7 user of tomorrow (Microsoft will launch its new mobile operating system towards the end of this year in a move many consider is crucial to the company’s long-term success): “We wanted to go head over heels for the socially connected market. I think with the Kin we have an opportunity to help users graduate up to a Windows 7 phone when their needs change.” Analysts have been quick to point out that the Kin will not be a rival to higher-end smartphones such as Apple’s iPhone and many of today’s Android devices.