Last October, Microsoft had its busiest Surface hardware event ever. However, many of the devices, such as the Surface Duo and Neo won’t launch until later this year, and we now know the Surface Neo is delayed. Another of these coming soon products was the unique Surface Earbuds.
However, a recent FCC filing, as found by Windows Latest, suggests Microsoft’s Apple AirPods rival will launch soon. In the filing, the Surface Earbuds are highlighted in several angles, including measurement details.
While the filing was submitted by Microsoft on Jan. 22, 2020, the FCC did not publish until March 30. When the FCC makes a file public, it often means a product is ready for launch.
You may remember Microsoft originally planned for the Surface Earbuds to launch last year. However, the company delayed the launch to make some tweaks and “get all the details right”.
Microsoft’s Earbuds faced early push back from rapper Will i. Am who said the company stole his design.
“This hurts…An African American start up struggling to inspire innercity kids with tech, only to find a GIANT steals our individuality & differentiation… #GetYOURownSTYLE your so 2000&LATE #cultureTHEFT…@Microsoft remember when I showed you our #BUTTONS 4years ago?” the rapper posted on Twitter.
Earbuds Details
Earbuds function with using touch, voice, and gesture controls. Microsoft says these input methods take the buds further than rival devices. Furthermore, the company promises 24-hour battery life. Specs include 2 directional microphones on each bud, so voice commands can be heard more clearly. Android users will be able to double tap the buds to open Spotify directly.
Microsoft says the Earbuds integrate directly with Office applications through Azure Cognitive Services. The buds will pick up user’s speech and push it into an Office document. Fancy gimmick or workable feature remains to be seen.
