Just yesterday, we reported on Microsoft’s apparent development of in-ear phones that will rival Apple’s AirPods. The so-called Surface Buds are expected to launch later this year. Today, a new report suggests Microsoft has been working on the buds for some time and has taken out patents on some related technology.
Windows Latest discovered a patent application that describes wireless earbuds with several high-end technology.
The patent is titled “Wearable audio accessories for computing devices” and was filed back in December 2017 and published today. Interestingly, this could mean Microsoft has already integrated this technology into the Surface Buds.
On the other hand, it is always worth remembering patents don’t always become full products. This could be Microsoft covering its bases and preventing other companies creating similar tech.
In the patent, Microsoft describes smart earbuds the include a temperature sensor for weather and environmental conditions. The smart buds would be able to tell users about incoming weather changes, or even where a water fountain is located when on a run.
“Such a sensor (or sensor arrangement) may be used to provide a further power control technique by switching on the continuous audio processing when the wearable speech interface device is attached to something and switching it off when the wearable speech interface device is not attached to anything,” the patent explains.
“Using proximity detection, the sensor is arranged to detect whether there is something between the two parts (e.g. clothing or another object). Such a sensor (or sensor arrangement) may be used to provide a further power control technique by switching on the continuous audio processing when the wearable speech interface device is attached to something and switching it off when the wearable speech interface device is not attached to anything.,” Microsoft adds.
Surface Buds
The earbuds are currently being developed under the codename Morrison. Microsoft believes its audio technology now allows it to directly compete with more established rivals.
We guess Microsoft will load the Surface Buds with similar features as the Surface Headphones. That means we can expect noise cancellation, Cortana integration, and improved phone audio.
Last Updated on April 9, 2020 12:16 pm CEST by Luke Jones
