Microsoft presents wireless earphones with Office 365 integration

At its own event, Microsoft presented the Surface Earbuds, its first wireless earphones. The earbuds have two microphones and have integration with Office 365. They will be released this fall.

The integration with Office allows users to display the next slide in PowerPoint by swiping the touchpad of one of the earphones. It is also possible to have the earphones convert spoken text into written text in Office programs, after which the software can automatically translate it, says Microsoft.

Competing with Apple’s Airpods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Huawei Freebuds, Xiaomi Airdots, Sony’s WF-1000XM3 and countless other alternatives, the earbuds use the touchpad while listening to music to skip tracks or adjust the volume. In addition, it is possible to launch Spotify on a connected Android phone by tapping three times. The earphones also have a dictation function to send emails without having to pick up the phone.

Microsoft says the earphones should be in stores before the holidays. The manufacturer is asking $250 for its new product. It is not yet known whether and when the Earbuds will be available in the Benelux.