Do Surface Earbuds work with Android phones and tablets?

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Surface Earbuds
Surface Earbuds (Image credit: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

Do Surface Earbuds work with Android phones and tablets?

Best answer: You can use Microsoft's Surface Earbuds with Android smartphones and tablets running OS version 4.4 or later.Intelligent earbuds: Surface Earbuds ($200 at Microsoft)

Do Surface Earbuds work on Android?

Microsoft's Surface Earbuds not only work with the new Surface hardware, as well as other Windows-powered devices but also Android smartphones and tablets. All you need is to be running Android 4.4 or later (smartphones and tablets released within the last few years will do so) and at least Bluetooth 4.1.

Microsoft supporting Android makes sense since not only is Android the most popular mobile OS, but the company is also looking to release a new portable device running Google's OS. You'll need to be running at least version 4.4 (most smartphones and tablets released in the past few years do so).

Using Surface Earbuds on Android will let you control media playback, fire up Spotify, and more.

Why you would want these strange earbuds

Surface Earbuds

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Surface Earbuds are positioned as a hassle-free way of accomplishing simple tasks on PC and mobile. You'll be able to use these smart devices for consuming media, communicating with others, and even improve overall productivity. Sporting an all-day battery life, gesture control support, and comfy ergonomics, Microsoft promises a unique experience with these new buds.

The rather strange, yet distinct cyclical design allows for capacitive touch gestures, eliminating the requirement to pick up and unlock your device. You'll be able to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume with a command to open Spotify on Android. The earbuds also promise AI-enhanced features, including real-time voice transcription for Office, email management, and translation for over 60 languages.

Should you buy Surface Earbuds with Android?

Microsoft has made a compelling choice to consider when shopping around for wireless earbuds. If you happen to be rooted deep in Microsoft's ecosystem — not just on Windows, but Android or iOS too — then Surface Earbuds make more sense. Using the Surface Earbuds with Android hardware allows you to quickly perform actions without reaching for the screen.

Surface Earbuds
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Surface Earbuds

Microsoft's super smart earbuds

The Surface Earbuds will undoubtedly turn some heads when you're out wearing them, but you'll be able to make use of gesture support on Surface and Android hardware.

Check out more tips on getting the most out of your headphones and earbuds.

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.