Microsoft says the Surface Headphones are available from Thursday (Nov. 15) for pre-order before shipping to customers starting on Nov. 19. However, the device will only be available to customers in the United States and the United Kingdom. That means the Surface Headphones are very limited at the moment. I have been trying to figure out why Microsoft is only launching in two markets. The best explanation I can think of is the price of the headphones. At $349.99, the Surface Headphones are eye-wateringly expensive. Even in the world of premium cups, they are wallet bashing accessories. Microsoft is clearly not expecting to sell the headphones in huge quantities. Perhaps the company kept initial inventory small and limited to two markets to see how early sales progress. It is worth noting that Microsoft says the Surface Headphones will roll out to other markets at an unspecified later date.
Product Details
When Microsoft launched the headphones last month, I questioned the need for the product. For the most part, I stand by that opinion as the Surface Headphones feel like Microsoft simply developing a “hey, me too” product. That said, there is no doubt the headphones have plenty of high-end quality. Of course, we should expect nothing more from Microsoft’s Surface brand and we should demand quality at the cost of the product. As for specifications, the headphones include:
40mm Free Edge drivers On-ear dials for noise cancellation and volume control 13 ambient sound levels Automatic head detection to pause music or mute called when headphones are removed Two beamforming microphones for enhanced Skype calls Swift Pair support Cortana support 15 hours of Bluetooth battery with Cortana and Active Noise Cancellation operating Up to 50 hours through wired connection with Bluetooth off USB-C and fast-charging
