Home
News
You are here

This Surface Earbuds limitation could be a deal breaker for some

5comments

By Anam Hamid

Updated: Sep 04, 2020, 9:08 AM

This Surface Earbuds limitation could be a deal breaker for some

Microsoft's first truly wireless hearables, the Surface Earbuds, are out now. They offer noise-canceling, comfort, and long battery life, and cost $199. While it's too early to give a verdict, they seem pretty good. However, there is one jarring problem that might put off some potential buyers.

Engadget reports that the Surface Earbuds use a near-obsolete pairing method. Only the right bud is connected to the source device and it then shares reception with the left bud. Microsoft has confirmed to the outlet that this is how it is.

So, if you sometimes like to sport just one earbud, you will have to make sure that it's the right one (literally and figuratively). Otherwise, if you step out with the left one only, it will not work. Good on Microsoft for making clunky earbuds. This will perhaps make it a little harder to displace your right earbud and if you somehow end up losing it, the other one will be practically useless.

Since most people use both earphones at once, this is unlikely to be an issue. However, given that Microsoft took longer than expected to launch the buds just to ensure it gets everything right, it's a little disappointing to hear about this limitation. Single bud pairing is so 2018 and most new varieties pair both buds to the source device.

Hopefully, things will get better with the second iteration.

Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Save 10% by using this code at checkout: XMAS10. Offer lasts until 1 January 2026.

Shop Now

View Full Bio

Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

Read the latest from Anam Hamid