[ansy]

It's all about ubiquitous computing versus desktop computing. Microsoft's manifest destiny was having a [Microsoft] computer on every desk. Its whole existence is built around achieving and capitalizing on that vision.

We are entering the age of ubiquitous computing. Computers everywhere. Not just for every person or every pocket. But multiple computers for every person for every function that can be augmented.

Apple gets it. Google gets it. Microsoft merely looks like it understands because it is desperately copying everyone else. But really Microsoft is lost. So utterly lost now that we're no longer in the age of desktop computing.

[falcolas]

I'm not sure I agree. The Microsoft Kin showed this kind of forethought, but it was perhaps a bit too early, with a bit too lean-featured a phone.

If they had continued the kin-like ubiquity with the Windows 7 phone, and merged that ubiquity with Windows 7 itself, I think it would be a much stronger competitor than it is now; perhaps even pushing Apple and Google on the defensive.

[ansy]

First of all, Kin is a rebrand of the Danger Sidekick business Microsoft bought. All those social media features are inherited from the Sidekick, a product that "got it." A founder of Danger, Andy Rubin, went on to start Android which got acquired by Google and we all know the rest of that story.

Who knows why Microsoft bought Danger. "Phones are looking hot, better buy something." Then proceed to screw it up royally by rewriting everything from scratch on top of Windows CE wasting the entire investment.

Yeah, I don't think Kin is a good example of how Microsoft gets it.