Computerworld — Why is it that Google thrives in the Internet-connected and mobile world, while Microsoft still can't find success? A look at the fates of Microsoft's (MSFT) failed Kin phone and thriving phones based on Google's (GOOG) Android operating system provides some insight.

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The Kin Debacle: A Prelude to Windows Phone 7?

Interestingly, the Kin and Android have their roots in technology created by the same person, Andy Rubin. Rubin co-founded a company called Danger, which developed the groundbreaking Sidekick phone. Rubin ended up leaving Danger in 2004. In 2008, Microsoft, looking to jump-start its struggling mobile business, bought Danger for a reported $500 million. The idea was to build a Microsoft phone based on the Sidekick.

And for Microsoft, that's where the troubles began. The project to have Danger develop a new Microsoft phone was initially labeled "Pink" inside Microsoft, and according to a number of reports, it very quickly became enmeshed in Microsoft politics and infighting. First, Pink was put in Microsoft's Premium Mobile Experiences (PMX) division, but then after a power struggle, was shifted to Microsoft's Windows Phone Division.

The Sidekick was based on Java, but once Pink ended up at the Windows Phone Division, Microsoft decided that Pink (eventually called Kin) would have to run a Microsoft operating system instead. Initially, reports say, the plan was to have it run Windows Phone 7. But Windows Phone 7 was delayed, and Microsoft didn't want to delay the launch of the Kin. So instead, Kin was based on the older Microsoft mobile operating system, Windows CE.

With all the political infighting, the Kin lost its way. In a smartphone world dominated by phones that run apps, it ran no apps. It was a phone designed for those interested primarily in social networking, yet had poor Twitter support and no instant messaging client. It was as expensive as more powerful phones, and required a costly monthly service contract . In about the only smart move Microsoft made concerning the Kin, it killed the phone after less than two months .

Now let's take a look at how Google handled another Rubin creation, Android. After leaving Danger, Rubin eventually started a company called Android, with the purpose of developing a smartphone operating system based on Linux . In 2005, Google bought Android, and put Rubin in charge of the project to launch an open-source, Google-created operating system to be called Android. Rubin became director of mobile platforms at Google, and is currently vice president of engineering.

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