Microsoft has finally launched its much delayed Surface Earbuds and also released an updated Surface Headphones 2. Both products feature Microsoft’s Swift Pair to quickly connect to Windows PCs and also feature integrations with Office Suite applications.
The Surface Earbuds are Microsoft’s first attempt at truly wireless earbuds. While it was announced last year during the October hardware event, it had been delayed since as Microsoft was working to develop and perfect its software. It features their Omnisonic sound profile with custom-designed 13.6 drivers that they claim produce a rich, immersive and crystal clear sound.
Coming to the design of the earbuds, it features a comfortable fit with 4 anchor points that also ensure a secure fit. It uses touch panels for music control, volume control and even has an inbuilt gesture to start playing music on Spotify.
The Surface Headphones 2 have been updated with a new colour this time – Matte Black. It continues to feature Microsoft’s Omnisonic sound profile and features better noise cancellation with its advanced microphones. Controls for the volume and noise cancellation are still via the rotating dials on the ear cups and the other controls are via the touch panel.
Both the Surface Earbuds and Surface Headphones 2 feature better integration with Office suite applications this time. For example, users can type in Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint using Dictation, get live captions with translation during PowerPoint presentations, read/reply to emails in the iOS app for Outlook, etc.
The Surface Headphones 2 claim an all day battery life of 20 hours and it offers quick charge capabilities – one hour of listening time with 5 minutes of charge. The Surface Earbuds on the other hand, will give 8 hours of listening time on a single charge with the charging case providing for another 16 hours.
The Surface Earbuds and Surface Headphones 2 will be available for purchase in the US from May 12th onwards for a price of $199 (Approx. Rs. 15142) and $249 (Approx. Rs. 18946) respectively.