KIN Tastes Twitter Software Update

Redmond-based Microsoft might have killed all of its KIN plans, but it seems that it remains committed to supporting the two released handsets for as long as it might take. According to KIN's Facebook page, there are a number of 9,705 KIN users out there, all of which can now enjoy a small software update released to add some minor functional changes to the Twitter capabilities of their devices.

The new software comes as version 1.0 build 2814.0, and it seems that its purpose was related only to the Twitter functionality on KIN, at least this is what a recent article on WMPoweruser notes. However, Microsoft did say previously that it aims at delivering software updates for its KIN users, and that one of the updates should bing forth the ability to Twitter reply/retweet, while others would be aimed at the handsets' Facebook features, or at adding calendar and social networking notifications.

Although no official release notes were provided, some of the already spotted changes with KIN include:
- Twitter avatars now show up in the KIN Loop.
- Modified display of Twitter statuses when selected, similar with Facebook and Myspace statuses, complemented by a comment form and feed.
- No retweeting available, but retweets from Twitter contacts show up in the Loop.
- Selecting a Twitter contact displays profile bio, i.e. website, about, hometown, nickname and real name.
- Twitter contacts can be linked to KIN contacts like Facebook/Myspace/Windows Live.
- Twitter contacts can now be pined to Favorites.

Undoubtedly, the update would be followed by other software solutions for KIN, even if the handsets are no longer on sale at Verizon Wireless and they won't land in other markets either. Verizon halted all sales of KIN One and KIN Two several days ago, following Microsoft's announcement last month that the KIN development team was integrated into the Windows Phone 7 unit. In the end, the KIN community would remain at under 10,000 people, as all eyes turn towards the upcoming WP 7 handsets.

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