Over at PC World we hear Microsoft and Verizon defend the pricing plan for the KIN series of social networking phones, but we also learn that Microsoft plans to merge the KIN family with Windows Phone 7 devices in the future.

“Over the longer term, we’ll be merging platforms and having downloadable apps,” said Greg Sullivan, senior product manager with Microsoft’s mobile communications unit.

On the other hand, he still implies a distinct separation:

“If you want to amplify your life and are in searching mode, the Kin is for you and if want to simplify you life and manage things, then Windows Phone 7 is for you,” Sullivan said.