Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
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."
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.
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.
Tag: Microsoft
[ 83 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
3 days ago at 08:57 am
"Hey Apple did something good! Let's all copy them" - all companies since 1979
3 days ago at 10:07 am
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.
3 days ago at 08:55 am
"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.
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.
3 days ago at 08:53 am
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.
3 days ago at 09:01 am
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.
3 days ago at 10:56 am
"Hey Apple did something good! Let's all copy them" - all companies since 1979
Because there were no wireless bluetooth ear bugs before Apple made them?
3 days ago at 09:27 am
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.
So I lost mine in the case and all. I searched everywhere to no avail (all I had was the grayed out last known location on 'Find My iPhone' and it showed them in my house). I gave up.
A month later I found them at the end of a customer's driveway with 100% case charge and 98% bud charge, which was bizarre to me. They worked instantly. They had been through the end of February and most of March in New England and were STILL WORKING PERFECTLY FINE! I couldn't believe it. I had already ordered a pair of gen 2's that arrived that same day.
I wouldn't ever experiment with them when it comes to water damage, but my mind was blown. Maybe because they were in the case? I had one bud get wet (fell out under a running spigot) some time ago and had to replace it. It made me happy since since I've become frustrated regarding some of their other products (MBP!).
3 days ago at 09:10 am
At least Samsung copies Apple immediately - - Microsoft takes 3 years to do it.
In a way though, all these products tend to copy each other one way or the other in terms of design, features, etc. But what makes the AirPods unique, is what they were offering in terms battery life, W1/H1 Chip and compact design. I don’t mean to gush on Apple products specifically, even though I do like other competitor products, but the AirPods have to be one of the best accessories Apple has ever created.
3 days ago at 11:00 am
How about an honest headline:
"[Tech Company X] flails desperately after seeing successful Apple product train leave the station without them."
It was Amazon last week.
"[Tech Company X] flails desperately after seeing successful Apple product train leave the station without them."
It was Amazon last week.
[ Read All Comments ]
Cozy, a company that has a variety of clever solutions for managing Apple accessories, recently released its latest product, a whimsical "Drink Different" ice cube tray that makes ice shaped...
Apple has expanded mobile phone billing to additional countries and carriers, according to an updated support document on its website.
As of this week, the feature is now supported by...
Facebook harvested the email contacts of 1.5 million users without their knowledge or consent and used the data to build a web of their social connections, it emerged today. Business Insider reports...
Ahead of the annual New York International Auto Show, several automakers have announced new vehicles with first-time support for CarPlay, including the 2020 Toyota Highlander, 2020 Nissan Versa, and...
Amazon Echo devices have been able to use Alexa-based voice commands to control Apple Music since December, but the feature has been limited to Amazon's own devices until today.
Sonos One...
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced three years ago in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test...
Apple Pay is now available as a payment option in the Uber Eats food delivery app for the first time, allowing users who make food orders to pay with a credit or debit card stored in the Wallet app.
...
Sleep tracking has become a popular activity for many people, since the practice can result in major benefits to your daily wellbeing, restfulness, stress levels, and mental health. There are many...
