Author Topic: Microsoft patents Surface Earbuds with innovative infinitely adjustable fit  (Read 152 times)

Offline javajolt

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 At this year's Surface event in New York, Microsoft unveiled not only the usual suspects, such as the Surface Pro 7 and the Surface Laptop 3 but also new device categories such as the Surface Neo and Surface Duo. But there was also a new product for fans of audio hardware. The Surface Earbuds are Microsoft's first in-ear headphones and come with a rather untypical design. The fact that Microsoft had a different design in view now shows a new patent.

Headphones adapt to the ear of the wearer



Now, Microsoft has patented a revision to the design of its Earbuds, which features an innovative adjustable fit which would mean users will be able to adjust how tightly the earbuds fit on the fly.



The patent filed on April 19th, 2018 describes a new Earbud design that adjusts to the listener’s ear.

Quote
Generic adjustable in-ear monitors (IEMs) may suffer from a limited range of resilient earplugs that may not adequately fit each user, and the user may prefer different earplugs for different purposes when exercising, while the user’s interest in comfort may be higher when the user is relaxing). The presently disclosed technology is directed to IEMs. Instead, the earplug is adjusted and / or different users.

General Adjustable In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) may suffer from a limited range of elastic earplugs that may not be suitable for each user, and the user may prefer different earplugs for different purposes (eg, the user’s interest in a secure fit while exercising, while the user’s interest in comfort may be higher when the user relaxes). The technology currently disclosed addresses IEMs that allow the user to adapt without removing and replacing an associated earplug. Instead, the earplug is adjustable by the user to achieve the desired fit.



Users would simply need to twist the earbud with respect to the body of the headset to expand or shrink the earpiece, meaning users will have the ability to make the earbuds fit their way not just once, but whenever they feel like it.

We do not know if this design will ever come to market, but the current, also innovative,  Surface Earbuds will be available for $249 later this year, which is slightly cheaper than the upcoming Apple Airpods Pro is expected to be.  While the Airpods Pro is due to be released this month, the Surface Earbuds will probably be worth the wait.