Backed by the Kin Foundation – a non profit devoted to building an online ecosystem around fairness and productivity – KIN is all about “kinship” aka relationships, as the name suggests. Within the KIN ecosystem (1), real value is placed on the thoughts, opinions and time of application users.
The KIN motto is “cryptocurrency for the digital world”, and it is living up to this standard, in my opinion.
Unlike some apps that sit on my screen, unused, until I finally decide to delete them – I downloaded a few KIN apps a short time ago, and quickly got into the habit of using them every single day. I’ll give you a quick run-down on two of my favorites.
Pause For (2)
If you’re like me and tend to get glued to your phone when there are other things you should be doing like dishes (or drafting your next blog post) – this productivity app is A MUST. All you have to do is choose a time limit (from 10 to 60 minutes), tap a button, and set the phone down. If you make it through the chosen time without picking up your phone to check your Twitter feed, email, etc. – you get to claim your KIN. Simple as that!
The incentive is even greater knowing that the cryptocurrency you earn ends up going to a great cause! Currently, you can use your earnings to donate a meal through Feeding America, plant a tree through One Tree Planted, or give a dog one month of heartworm meds through The Inner Pup.
Why would anyone NOT use this app?!
Kinit (3)
The first iOS KIN ecosystem app to go live, Kinit is just good fun. Every day I open the app to find new surveys, quizzes, trivia or “this or that” opinion games.
Completing the games earns me KIN that I can use to purchase real gift cards. I’m not talking about cheesy gift cards, either – among them are ITunes, GameStop and Uber, to name a few!
There are many more apps that I have yet to explore. You can find a list of the most popular ones here (4). There seems to be something for everyone. Social butteryfly? Try Kik. You like to express yourself through make-up? Check out Perfect360. In the mood for a game night? Pop.In would likely fit your fancy. It’s a pretty lengthy list.
So, how did I happen across KIN? I was introduced to the cryptocurrency on Twitter by 
Kinny who?!
The unofficial mascot of the cryptocurrency, this cute little tip bot exists so that we can send and receive KIN over social media.
He currently works in Twitter, Reddit and in the Kin Foundation Discord channel. He will be making his way to Telegram soon, I hear!
Kinny has his own app, too! Within it you can link your social media accounts, view your KIN tip wallet balance and transactions, and even earn more KIN. Currently, Kinny is only available for Android devices, but the iOS app is in the works (and I can’t wait)!
One last thing I just HAVE to mention… There is a solution in development that will allow folks to spend KIN earned within one app in another! AWESOME SAUCE.
If so inspired, please share this post with your friends! Oh, and if you have friends or family who aren’t quite sure yet about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency – introduce it to them in a fun way with one of the KIN apps!
Thanks so much for reading. I’ll see you around the blockchain ;)