Quick change for Keen, Microsoft took 2 years to develop and whose release was supported with a hefty advertising budget, it is the latest sign of turmoil for the recently reorganized the division of consumer products Microsoft.
"This is an absolute failure," said Charles S. Golvin, an analyst with Forrester Research. Mr. Golvin said he was surprised to see Microsoft to kill the product so quickly, given the history of the company to impose new products and improving them over time.
consumer products division of Microsoft is trying to offer credible competitors IPod and most recently, Apple iPhone and an array of smartphones powered by Android Software Google.
Microsoft also recently canceled a project to develop a tablet PC, which will compete with the popular iPad Apple.
Microsoft said that the change of staff who worked on the Keane team in charge of Windows 7 Phone, the forthcoming revision of the Microsoft operating system for smartphones, which must be submitted in the autumn. Keane, who joined the two models was aimed at young users and stressed access to social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Although neither Microsoft, nor Verizon Wireless, which was sold exclusively telephone revealed sales figures, people close to the company said that sales were disappointing. Verizon cut prices for phones up to $ 50 from $ 200 for the more expensive models and up to $ 30 from $ 150 for a stripped-down version.
Microsoft said that to cancel the pending release of Keane in Europe and will cooperate with Verizon Wireless to sell records. Brenda Raney, a spokesman for Verizon, said Keene, is still an important part of our portfolio. "
