Tuesday, April 13, 2021
For those who live in Teams or Zoom meetings all day, Microsoft's latest accessories will help you stay connected and are priced right too
What you need to know
- Microsoft has unveiled new accessories for its Modern line of gear.
- New accessories include a webcam, wired and wireless headset, and a USB-C speaker.
- All accessories will begin shipping in June.
Microsoft has announced a handful of new devices and accessories today, including the new Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Headphones 2+. In addition, Microsoft has unveiled new PC accessories in the form of a webcam, wired and wireless headsets, and a USB-C speaker.
These new accessories join the Microsoft Modern line of devices, joining the likes the Microsoft Modern Keyboard and Microsoft Modern Bluetooth Mouse. The new accessories are expected to start shipping in June. Here's everything you need to know.
HD clarity
Microsoft Modern Webcam
The new Microsoft Modern Webcam features high-quality video with HDR and 'True Look' features that deliver facial retouch, fixed light adjustment, and autofocus functionality. The device has an integrated privacy shutter, a USB-A connection, and is certified for Microsoft Teams.
- High-quality video with HDR and True Look that deliver facial retouch, fixed light adjustment, and autofocus to help you look your best.
- Integrated privacy shutter you can easily slide open and close over the camera lens. Plus, LED status light lets you quickly see if your camera is on.
- Versatile mounting system, you can secure to your monitor, laptop, desk, or tripod.
- Certified for Microsoft Teams, with up to 1080p video and expansive 78° field of view.
- USB-A connection, for convenient plug-and-play design.
The webcam supports 1080p 30fps video output, with auto exposure, auto white balance, and auto anti-flicker technology built right in. It also has a relatively wide 78-degree field of view.
| Category | Microsoft Modern Webcam |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (LxWxD) | 1.99" (50.53 mm) x 1.42" (36.05 mm) x 2.94" (74.58 mm) |
| Front window | glass, polished black |
| Tripod mount | copper, glossy silver |
| Other components | plastic/TPE/rubber, matte black |
| Buttons | Integrated privacy shutter to turn video stream on/off |
| Weight | 0.21 lbs (88.3 g) |
Unfortunately, the new webcam doesn't support Windows Hello face authentication, likely to keep the price down a much as possible.
The Microsoft Modern Webcam costs $69.99 and will begin shipping in June.
PC camera
Microsoft Modern Webcam
Video conferencing made easy
Featuring a 1080p resolution and integrated privacy shutter, the Modern Webcam by Microsoft is the perfect fit for those who freqent on Teams or Zoom calls.
Talk like a pro
Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets
Microsoft has also unveiled new wired and wireless headsets, designed for businesses in mind. Featuring Teams certification, high-quality stereo speakers, a comfortable on-ear design, and on-device controls for music, volume, and mute.
The wireless headset features a dial on the right earcup for adjusting volume, similar to the Surface Headphones and Xbox Wireless Headset. Microsoft is touting 50 hours of listening time too, a huge jump over the Surface Headphones 2+ which tout just 18.5 hours.
| Category | Microsoft Modern USB Headset | Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (LxWxD) | 172 x 164 x 60 mm | 173 x 167mm x 60 mm |
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Weight | 0.30 lbs (136 g) | 0.31 lbs(142 g) |
| Frequencyresponse | Mic 100Hz-10KHz Speaker: 100Hz-20KHz |
Mic 100Hz-10KHz Speaker: 100Hz-20KHz |
| Noise Cancellation | Beamforming with 2 mems mic Speaker: 28mm moving-coil |
Beamforming with 2 mems mic Speaker: 28mm moving-coil |
| Sound Pressure Level Output | Up to 91 dB | Up to 91 dB |
| Charging | Full charge in 2.5 hours | N/A |
| Battery | Up to 50hours of music listening Up to 30 hours of talk time on a Microsoft Teams call |
N/A |
| Simultaneous Connection | Up to 2 | N/A |
| Audio Codec | SBC | PCM |
| Inputs | USB A dongle Bluetooth Compatibility |
USB-A |
| Cord Length | N/A | 39.4" (1.5 m) |
| Audio Cable Length | N/A | 29.5" (0.75 m) |
| Microsoft Teams Cert | Microsoft Teams and Mute LED | Microsoft Teams/Hook/Mute LED indicator |
| Compatibility | Windows 10: 20H1, 19H1, RS5 Windows 8, Windows 7 Mac OS, Android, iOS Microsoft Teams Certification compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS |
Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 Mac OS 11.0/10.15 |
These new headsets are designed primarily for voice calls rather than music listening, though Microsoft says they will deliver a high-quality listening experience.
The Microsoft Wired USB Headset will retail for $49.99, and the Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset will retail for $99.99.
Both headsets will begin shipping in June.
Wireless audio conferencing
Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset
Wireless headphones for the workplace
Featuring the same design as Microsoft's Modern Headset, the Wireless Modern Headset brings that simple design over to the Bluetooth arena.
Audio conferencing
Microsoft Modern USB Headset
Headphones for the workplace
If you're in need of a basic wired headset for video meetings and conference calls, you can't go wrong with Microsoft's new Modern Headset with high quality audio and a boom mic built-in.
We can hear you
Microsoft Modern USB-C speaker
Finally, Microsoft has also announced a new USB-C speaker peripheral that can connect to your PC and output high-quality audio with voice optimization for Teams meetings. The device has meeting control buttons built right in, and omni-directional background noise cancelling microphones.
| Category | Microsoft Modern USB-C speaker |
|---|---|
| Color | Matte Black |
| Materials | Fabric + Silicone |
| Dimensions (LxWxD) | 138 mm (5.43") x 70 mm (2.756") x 29 mm (1.142") |
| Weight | 191 g (0.426 lbs) |
| Frequency response | 200Hz – 20kHz for music 300Hz-10KHz for conference |
| Microphone | Two omni-directional |
| Speaker | 50 mm full range driver |
| Cable Length | 680 mm (26.9") |
| Inputs | USB-C connector |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 Windows 8/8.1 Mac OS X 10.15 Mac OS 11.0 |
| Microsoft Teams Certification | Pass 1.5 m conference room Spec |
| Buttons/Controls | Microsoft Teams button, Mute button, Volume up button, Volume down button, Hook Switch button |
This USB-C speaker is very much built for meeting rooms or environments were multiple people are listening in to a Teams call in one room. With this peripheral, you no longer need to rely on your laptop's built in speakers and microphone.
The Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker will begin shipping in June for $99.99.
For the meeting room
Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker
Audio conferencing made easy
If you're in need of a high-quality speaker for the workplace meeting room, the Modern USB-C Speaker from Microsoft is a great choice featuring plug and play support and dedicated on-device buttons for call controls.
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