Microsoft introduces wireless Xbox headphones with mic for 100 euros
Microsoft has shown the Xbox Wireless Headset, an over-ear headset aimed at users of the Xbox Series consoles. The headphones have a microphone with auto-mute function and a physical mute button. The Xbox Wireless Headset goes on sale next month.
According to Microsoft, the headphones support Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone: X. As far as is known, the company does not provide any details about the drivers used in the headphones. Microsoft says it developed the Xbox Wireless Headset for ‘longer gaming sessions’, which is why the device is lightweight and has ‘ultra-soft’ leatherette cushions. The headphones weigh 312 grams. The inside of the adjustable headband is made of metal, the two circular rotating elements on the outside are covered with rubber. One rotary head allows the user to adjust the volume, the other rotary knob allows the balance between chat and game sound to be set.
The headset’s microphone uses “dual beamforming microphone elements,” according to Microsoft, that allow the mic to focus on vocal sounds rather than ambient noise. The tuning of the headphones would also have been adjusted to pick up voices. This microphone also has a switchable automatic mute function, which mutes the microphone when the user is not speaking. There is a light on the microphone that indicates when the microphone is active. The microphone is flexible and the user can fold it away behind one of the ear cushions.
Microsoft developed the headphones primarily with the Xbox Series consoles in mind. The Xbox Wireless Headset can therefore connect to the Series consoles using the same wireless standard as the Xbox controllers do. The headphones can be connected to an Xbox and a phone at the same time, allowing players to record a phone call while playing a game. The headphones use Bluetooth version 4.2 or a USB-C cable for connections to non-Xbox consoles.
Microsoft does not state how big the internal battery of the wireless headphones is. The company does say that it can last 15 hours on a full battery. The Xbox Wireless Headset can last for four hours on a thirty-minute charge, while a full charge takes three hours. Microsoft says it wants to provide the headphones with additional functions with updates, without giving details. The Xbox Wireless Headset is available from March 16 for 100 euros.