14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has become super-committed to expanding the Surface product lineup with new devices, and in addition to dual-screen devices, the company also took the wraps off its own alternative to Apple’s AirPods.
Called simply Surface Earbuds, the new earbuds can connect to pretty much any device that has Bluetooth, but it does come with exclusive features on Android – and this makes sense given Microsoft is an Android device manufacturer now.
Surface Earbuds, for example, can simply start playing Spotify (if the app is installed on your Android phone) by simply tapping three times on one of the earbuds.
Of course, it also comes with other gimmicks to work with Microsoft software easier, including for the Office productivity suite. Surface Earbuds can be used with voice interaction in the United States, and it offers Office 365 integration to hear calendar appointments in Outlook. On-screen captions and translations in PowerPoint are also supported.
One full day of battery life per charge
Microsoft says the Surface Earbuds should last at least one day, and they come with a wireless charging case. Additionally, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous listening per charge.
Each earbud comes with two microphones for better voice recognition and call quality, and the supported operating systems include Windows 10, Android 4.4, iOS 9 (iPhone 5 and newer). The available controls are touch, tap, swipe, and voice, with dedicated gestures to let you easily use earbuds on the go.
There’s just one color version called Glacier, and each earbud is incredibly lightweight, as it tips the scale at 7.2 grams. The charging case adds another 40 grams.
Microsoft Surface Earbuds can be purchased for $249. The box includes 3 pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes, and a USB-C to USB-A cable.
