Microsoft is doing more to catch up in the mobile device arena, with plans to upgrade its Kin phone this summer. It’s a good thing, considering the low sales numbers the Kin has seen, despite Microsoft’s huge marketing push. While the concept of the Kin is great, the device itself still contends with the iPhone and multitude of Android devices. Hopefully the summer update will pull Kin to a more competitive level.

There aren’t too many details regarding the exact features included in the Kin summer update, but looking at the social nature of the device, they’re likely to involve more media sharing, syncing and access to life streams. IntoMobile outlines some of the expected upgrades, per a discussion thread in the Kin forums;

Over on Microsoft’s forum, a user complained about a few bugs and software quibbles. In particular, that user said the handset has the tendency to shut off and they want the ability to retweet and modify Twitter responses. That user also wants the ability to view YouTube videos.

“Your feedback has been heard — there already is a KIN update (scheduled for mid-summer) in the works that covers many of your concerns. :) ” a Kin moderator replied.

One sticking point for Microsoft is its approach in cross-leveraging its other products and outlets for a cohesive and personalized mobile-to-PC platform. Google and Apple are using a similar method of attack, but Microsoft hasn’t created a mobile device to work with as many of its products as it needs to contend. As with the Zune, Microsoft arrived at the playing field a little too late.

The good thing is Microsoft’s positioning, which is regaining its footing in the mobile sector. Martin over at IntoMobile feels that the Kin is a case of having the wrong product at the wrong time, especially when you consider the other devices Microsoft has in rotation, including an HTC phone featuring a screen larger than the iPhone’s.

Yet there are a number of reasons why Microsoft would want to run its own device on its own platform, particularly as it looks to integrate with the company’s other pet project, Kinect. We’ve been rather interested in Kinect here at SiliconANGLE, as it may be the platform Microsoft uses to tie several of its products and services together. From the Xbox 360 to the little toy-like Kin, Kinect may be able to flex its muscles a little better once this summer upgrade is released.