Update: One of our readers points us in this direction. The Kin's Facebook application indicates that at least 8,800+ Kin users have signed up for the app and are currently active. This contrasts with the tipster's claim, and gets better in line with the rumor that the actual number of devices sold was in the order of ~10,000 units. Still, pretty horrible PR move by Microsoft with the tons of money and resources gone to waste in so little time. On the other hand, that's what you get when you let an Apple fanboy spread a rumor about Microsoft.

Original post: It's been a whole week since Microsoft forced its rejected Kin handsets under the guillotine, but the company still hasn't uttered a word about just how poorly the phones sold. Early rumblings suggested that Redmond shipped a measly 500 units, and an anonymous source cited by John Gruber today lends credence to that figure.

"A well-placed little birdie" told Gruber over the weekend that Microsoft sold a grand total of 503 Kins before throwing in the towel. Putting that into perspective, one unnamed Microsoft worker said the phone's sales revenue probably couldn't even cover the launch party held on campus. "As an employee, I am embarrassed. As a shareholder, I am pissed," the person said.


As much as we'd love to buy into the drama, it's hard to believe the company only shipped 500 phones – especially considering the project's advertising effort. Other estimates suggest Microsoft has sold between 1,000 and 10,000 units, and while still depressingly low, that's more conceivable.

Verizon is continuing to sell the Kin One and Kin Two at a discount. You can own a small piece of Microsoft's history for as low as $30 (with a two-year contract, naturally). If you're not willing to part with cash, you can show your support by visiting the Kin's online memorial.