When Microsoft launched the Surface Headphones 2 Plus on April 13, it also launched two new headphones, both with dedicated Microsoft Teams buttons. This is an attempt by Microsoft to promote the hardware aspects of the Teams video conferencing software. Prior to this, the company launched a new smart speaker for Teams last month, and the display also began to appear with Teams buttons earlier this year.
These are not the only headphones equipped with Microsoft Teams buttons, but now Microsoft is trying to make it the new standard.
The first is Microsoft’s Surface Headphones 2 Plus for Business. Like the “Plus” codename on the Surface Pro 7 Plus, this is more like a refresh than a major redesign.
All the same features on Surface Headphones 2, including battery life, remain the same, but Microsoft now certifies these headphones for Teams use. This means there is a dedicated Microsoft Teams button and a new USB adapter, as well as an indicator light to let you know if the device is muted.
As the name suggests, Microsoft only sells Surface Headphones 2 Plus for Business to corporate and educational customers. This headphone will only be available in black, priced at US$299.99.
In addition to the Surface brand headphones, Microsoft will also launch two new headphones with dedicated buttons for Microsoft Teams. After launching the impressive Xbox wireless headphone last month, Microsoft’s new Modern Wireless Headset provides a similar option for laptops and PCs. This wireless headphone includes soft padded earmuffs, a microphone, which will automatically mute when it is turned over, and also provides a control interface for mute, volume and Teams control.
Although this headphone includes bluetooth support, you need to use the included USB-A adapter to implement Microsoft Teams functionality. Microsoft promises that the music listening time of the Modern Wireless Headset can be up to 50 hours, or the talk time of Microsoft Teams can be up to 30 hours, and the battery can be fully charged within 2.5 hours. Microsoft has not announced its price yet, but the company said it will ship in some markets in June this year.
If you are not interested in wireless, there are also Microsoft modern USB headphones to choose from. Despite its modern name, it is still connected via USB-A instead of USB-C. The body includes buttons for volume control, mute and Microsoft Team. It is mainly designed as a lightweight headphone with soft padded earmuffs, priced at US$49.99, shipped in June, for corporate and educational customers.