Microsoft may be planning to release more audio hardware

While not universally acclaimed, Microsoft’s first audio hardware, the Surface Headphones, have been generally well received. The $349 premium noise-cancelling devices may however just be the start of Microsoft’s sound ambitions, going by the recently published trademark associated with the headphones.

Microsoft is using the trademark phrase “THE SMARTER WAY TO LISTEN” with the Surface Headphones, and the trademark description states the phrase can be used with Goods and Services as below:

Goods and Services
Audio electronic components, audio speakers, headphones, handheld computers, laptops, tablets, notebook computers, and mobile computing devices

Goods and Services
Retail services in the field of audio electronic components, audio speakers, headphones, handheld computers, laptops, tablets, notebook computers, and mobile computing devices

The trademark suggests Microsoft may be looking at making more audio hardware including speakers and may use the branding with their Surface laptops and tablets, similar to way Bose and Harmon Kardon branding is used with other computers.

At present no new audio hardware has leaked yet, but Panos Panay has said hardware was “core part of our strategy and at the centre of Microsoft“, suggesting Microsoft will not be stopping with only one device.

The trademark can be seen here.