A new line of Windows-powered mobile phones called "Kin" aimed at young users which emphasize social networking was introduced on April 12.
The "Kin one" and "Kin two" phones, which feature touchscreens and slideout keyboards, are being manufactured by Sharp and will be available in the U.S. through Verizon Wireless beginning May.
The phones will be available in Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain in the fall in partnership with Vodafone.
"Social's part of the DNA of this phone," said Derek Snyder, a product manager at Windows Mobile. "Social networks are the cornerstone of this experience."
The home screen of the phone remains always on as the Kin brings together feeds from social networks such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
Videos, photos, text messages, Web pages and location and status updates can be shared by dragging them to a place on the phone called the "Spot."
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010
