On September 22, sources revealed that Microsoft has decided to cancel some experimental products, such as Surface headsets, in order to focus more on the field of artificial intelligence. It is understood that Microsoft first launched Surface headphones in 2018, and then launched an improved version in 2020. However, the new Surface headphones, which were originally planned to be updated every two years, were not shown at the 2022 autumn new product launch, which attracted the attention of the technology media.
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Microsoft Surface product purchase entrance
Surface earphones have received critical acclaim from the tech media, particularly for their sound quality and dial-top noise-canceling features. However, in the face of competition from similar products from brands such as Apple, Bose and Sony, the Surface headset series products have dimmed. Currently, the Surface headset series products on Microsoft's official website have been marked as "out of stock".
Microsoft isn't just canceling a single product, this latest decision signals a change in the company's strategy. To support investments in artificial intelligence, many Microsoft teams are cutting budgets and laying off employees. According to people familiar with the matter, even in the current severe economic situation, Microsoft's Windows business has been affected and failed to achieve internal growth targets.
In addition, after Microsoft's Surface consumer division downsized its business and removed some products from the shelves, Panos Panay, a long-time executive in charge of the Surface division, left Microsoft to take charge of Amazon's consumer hardware business. Panos Panay has worked at Microsoft for nearly 20 years and was one of the founders of the Surface tablet business. His departure caused many surprises and shocks. (Chenchen)