According to a new report, Microsoft is working on another pair of headphones, this time designed to take on Apple's AirPods with wireless earbuds powered by Cortana. Dubbed "Surface Buds," these new earphones from Microsoft are much smaller than the Surface Headphones, making them much more ideal for travel.
Codenamed Morrison, something we can confirm via our own sources, these new earbuds will likely feature Cortana integration and noise cancellation, just like the Surface Headphones do. I've known about the Morrison codename for over a year now, so it's interesting to see more information about these headphones show up now. It's unclear when this product will ship, assuming it hasn't already been canceled.
Hopefully, the Surface Buds will be cheaper than the Surface Headphones, which come in at $329 making them somewhat expensive for most people. If Surface Buds cost $149, that opens them up to a much larger market, one that people looking into Apple's AirPods might be interested in buying.
Brad Sams's report details the following:
The company is looking to capitalize upon the development of its audio tech by expanding its portfolio to cover the two major categories of headphones: over-ear and in-ear ... As for features, the details about how Microsoft will differentiate this hardware from other players isn't fully clear yet. But, by looking at what the Surface Headphones offer, Cortana integration, noise cancellation, and what I have heard, is a way to improve interactions between a phone and the earbuds to make reading content easier on the phone, are all on the agenda for this hardware.
Back before the Surface Headphones were announced, I was told that Microsoft were working on accessories under the name Morrison and Joplin, alongside its Andromeda foldable device. I wasn't sure we'd ever see Joplin and Morrison after Andromeda was delayed indefinitely. I was later told that Joplin was the Surface Headphones, proving that these accessories can ship even without Andromeda. So, it's not crazy to assume we'll see Morrison as well.
What do you think about these headphones? Let us know in the comments.
$350Bottom line: Microsoft's first attempt at headphones is nearly perfect.
For
- First-rate audio.
- Very comfortable.
- Cortana works well.
- Outstanding gestures and auto-pause.
- Works with multiple Bluetooth devices.
Against
- Noise cancellation is mediocre.
- Battery life is short of the competition.
- Large carrying case.
Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft
Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.
Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)
The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.
Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)
Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.
Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)
With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.
