Microsoft Working on Wireless In-Ear 'Surface Buds' to Rival AirPods

Microsoft is planning to launch a pair of wireless earbuds under the Surface brand that will be a direct competitor to Apple's AirPods, according to sources familiar with the company's plans who spoke to Thurrott. The earbuds are currently in development under the code name "Morrison."

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These are described to be in-ear wireless headphones, just like the AirPods. This isn't the first time Microsoft has created and sold its own headphones, as it currently sells the $349.99 Surface Headphones on its website.

The Surface Headphones are large, over-ear headphones with advanced features like noise cancellation. The new device would likely carry over a few features seen in the Surface Headphones, however, like Cortana integration and "a way to improve interactions between a phone and the earbuds to make reading content easier on the phone."

At this time, the name of the earbuds is not yet confirmed, but the simple moniker of "Surface Buds" is said to have been tossed around within the company.

Apple just updated the AirPods to version 2, which includes "Hey Siri" functionality and wireless charging. The full lineup now includes the AirPods 2 with Wireless Charging Case ($199), AirPods 2 with standard Charging Case ($159), and the standalone Wireless Charging Case ($79) that adds wireless charging capabilities to your existing AirPods.

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Top Rated Comments

justperry Avatar
80 months ago
Zunebuds™...;)

Oh no, those would flop.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jmh600cbr Avatar
80 months ago
"Hey Apple did something good! Let's all copy them" - all companies since 1979
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
eschoud2 Avatar
80 months ago
At least Samsung copies Apple immediately - - Microsoft takes 3 years to do it.
Samsung released their first generation Gear IconX buds on July 15, 2016.

Apple announced the AirPods on September 7, 2016.

Might want to lay off the Kool-Aid.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jlseattle Avatar
80 months ago
I see people at the gym, “sweating like a pig(as it were)”, with AirPods. I personally wouldn’t use them like that since Apple was clear they are not sweat resistant. But to each their own.
My airpods have been through the wringer. I've run in heavy rain, sweated and dropped into water. They come out like a champ. The biggest issue I have is losing them.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
80 months ago
It seems the AirPods set the market standard for wireless convenience and battery life. Now you have Amazon and Microsoft both aiming trying to compete against AirPods. Competition is always a good thing, but Good luck.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Intellectua1 Avatar
80 months ago
"Microsoft is working to develop wireless headphones under the Surface moniker"
I fixed the title for you! Not everyone cares to compete with Apple or their Sonicare headphones, they're not even the best on the market.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)