14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft announced the Surface Earbuds at the company’s hardware event on October 2, with an estimated shipping date set for late 2019.
But as it turns out, the company needs to further polish the earbuds before making them available for purchase, so Panos Panay, chief of Microsoft’s hardware unit, announced a new date when the product is supposed to hit the shelves.
Microsoft Surface Earbuds are now projected to go live in the spring of 2020, of course unless more time is needed to ensure the best experience.
“Product-making is about the relentless pursuit to get all the details right, which takes time…sometimes more than we planned on. To ensure we deliver the best possible experience for you, our fans & customers, Surface Earbuds will now launch worldwide in Spring 2020,” Panay said.
AirPods alternative
Surface Earbuds are considered one of the most advanced rivals to Apple’s AirPods, but as compared to this device, they work with both Android and iOS devices.
Because they rely on a typical Bluetooth connection, Surface Earbuds can pair with Windows 10, Android 4.4 and newer, iPhone 5 and iOS 9 or newer devices.
Of course, just like the other earbuds on the market, Microsoft’s model comes with all kinds of gimmicks, including a charging case that tips the scales at just 40 grams, two microphones per earbud, and a total battery life of 24 hours with the case. It supports several gestures, including touch, tap, swipe, and voice input. Surface Earbuds support a wide variety of digital assistants, including not only Microsoft’s own Cortana, but also Siri on the iPhone and Google Assistant on Android devices.
Surface Earbuds will be available for $249 when they go on sale next year, but the pricing will be a little bit different depending on the market and the local taxes.