Many people still work from home and with the number of video calls we have a week, it is important to have accessories that make our lives easier.

Microsoft lent us three accessories that it released during the pandemic: a camera, a headset, and a speaker so we could try them out.

All of them are Microsoft Teams certified, which guarantees greater integration with that application, but they are also compatible with services such as Zoom, Webex and Google Meet.

This was our experience:

Microsoft Modern Webcam

We tested this Microsoft webcam that offers 1080p field of view video, HDR, and a 78-degree field of view.

In addition, it has a function called True Look that ensures that you look your best with automatic white balance, light adjustment and facial retouching although it is not exaggerated as in some phones or competing cameras.

Something that I really liked about this camera is that when it records you, an LED light is activated and you also have the possibility to open and close the privacy shutter.

This also automatically turns video on and off, but it only works with Microsoft Teams, so in other apps you'll need to turn it on as usual.

I find this camera to deliver quality images that definitely look better than the webcam that comes built into my computer.

For

MX$1,099 or 

At $49.25 for imaging, I have no complaints since it's not a flagship camera, which means it's not 4K and it doesn't include Windows Hello facial recognition support that other cameras do.

However, I think the built-in microphone could be a lot better.

By default, the webcam comes with the built-in microphone disabled, and trying to enable it in the Microsoft Accessory Center app gives you a warning that this microphone is not certified by Teams.

This point that left me thinking about its quality and when I tried it I realized that a lot of noise is heard, even with the microphone gain disabled.

So I would definitely recommend this camera for those looking to improve the one that is integrated into their computer or laptop, but for the sound section, I do think it is better to opt for headphones with a built-in microphone or an external microphone.

Wired and USB headphones

Speaking of the audio section, Microsoft also launched an accessory dedicated to video calls.

This is the Teams-certified wired headset with a USB connector that you can use on your Windows 10 and 11 PC or laptop.

The headband is light and the ear pads on these headphones are comfortable enough on your ears for a couple of hours of taking calls and meetings.

In addition, it is appreciated that you only have to connect it to start using them.

I wouldn't use them for extended listening to music or movies though, as these speakers just aren't designed for that and are noticeably lacking in bass for that reason.

Both earphones have a feature called "noise reduction" to minimize the sounds of the place where you are.

In my brief test, they work well enough to minimize background chatter, but it won't work miracles and my dog ​​was able to hear himself.

On the cord of these headphones is an in-cord controller that will allow you to quickly mute the microphone, answer or end a call, enter Microsoft Teams, as well as turn the volume up and down.

My only negative comment is the button for Teams.

Since if you use a different video call service, the button cannot be configured in any way.

So hopefully Microsoft will give us the option to remap the button in the future.

You can buy these headphones for

MX$991 or 

$49.99.

Microsoft Modern Speaker USB-C

I must confess that in the two years that I've been working from home I never considered the option of a speakerphone as an accessory that I could integrate into my video call setup, so Microsoft's Modern Speaker surprised me.

I couldn't connect it to my desktop because it doesn't have a USB-C input, but I was able to test it on some laptops later.

It is important to note that it is compatible with Windows 10, 11 and macOS.

I think the perfect combination of these accessories for me would be the camera and this speaker because it really makes your audio, especially your voice, pop.

It helps you sound clearer and also hear everyone on the call better, without the need to wear headphones.

It has a good level of audio despite being 5.4 inches long and just over an inch tall.

In addition, inside it has two omnidirectional microphones.

At the top you'll find buttons for volume, answer and mute calls, and activate Microsoft Teams, and just like on the headset, there's no option to remap the button, which I'd really like for most of my work calls. they are through Webex.

A press of the Teams button will allow you to launch a call.

You can also use the answer a call button from that app.

The button will flash white on an incoming call and remain solid white for the duration of the call.

While when you have the microphone open, this button will be red.

Best of all, the cord wraps around the bottom and hides away, so your workplace will be cord-free.

In addition, you can store it to protect it from dust because a case comes in the box.

You can buy this speaker for

MX$ 1,717 or 

$59.99.

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