Microsoft launches new “Modern” accessories certified for Microsoft Teams

Microsoft has introduced several new accessories this morning alongside its new Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Headphones 2+ for Business. Indeed, the company is launching a new line of “Modern” accessories that includes a webcam, two headsets, and a USB-C speaker all optimized for Microsoft Teams.

All these new accessories seem to be designed for the new work from home era, and they’re also not using the Surface brand, which usually commands a more premium pricing. Microsoft’s Modern Webcam will cost $69.99, and it will come with a 1080p sensor that should be good enough for most remote workers. Key features include support for HDR and autofocus, as well as a “True Look” technology providing auto white balance, auto light adjustment, and facial retouch.

Microsoft’s Modern Webcam is also certified for Microsoft Teams, and it also comes with an LED indicator and an integrated piracy shutter that covers the camera lens when the webcam is not in use. It will start shipping in just with a $69.99 price, and you can learn more about it on the Microsoft Store.

To complement its new Surface Headphones 2+ for Business, the company will also launch the more affordable Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets, which are both certified for Microsoft Teams. Both headsets will include a dedicated Teams button, a physical mute button, and a LED indicator. The Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets will start shipping in June, with prices starting at $49.99 for the USB model.

Lastly, Microsoft also unveiled the Microsoft Modern USB-C speaker today, which is designed for Teams meetings and casual music listening. “Designed with the same intuitive controls as our Modern USB Headset and certified for Microsoft Teams, the Modern USB-C Speaker helps you improve and manage your Microsoft Teams meeting experience with a powerful speaker driver, dual microphones and intuitive controls and indicators,” explained Pete Kyriacou, VP, Microsoft Devices.

There’s no mention of a Cortana integration, but with a $99.99 pricing, this clearly isn’t a competitor to the cheap Alexa or Google Nest speakers. Just like the Microsoft Modern Webcam and the Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets, the Modern USB-C Speaker will start shipping in June in select markets.

Microsoft has been making PC accessories for many years now, but this is the first time we’re seeing the company release new accessories tailored for the virtual meeting experience. As Microsoft Teams has remained one of the company’s fastest-growing apps since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re probably going to see a lot more accessories that are certified for Microsoft Teams in the future.