Microsoft held its fall hardware event yesterday where it introduced the new generation of Surface devices as well as some accessories like the one we’re covering in this article.

The Microsoft Audio Dock is a expansion base and speaker which claims to help keep your desktop tidy. And when you start adding peripherals and accessories, the cable clutter can be monumental as well as visually unsightly.

The base has the necessary ports, two USB Type-C (one of them only for data), a USB-A port and an HDMI 2.0 port that enables 4K@60fps video output. The dock also supports DisplayPort Alt mode for two displays and supports USB-C PD charging up to 60W and MST on USB-C and HDMI ports.

In addition to the port hub functions, this base covers the audio part, which will come in handy if you use a laptop or AIO without integrated speakers at your desk. Microsoft promises a “premium audio” quality with 15W woofer, 5W tweeter and two omnidirectional microphones.

Its size is 167 x 80 x 81 mm and its weight is 650 grams, so it can be carried for use between tables. It is compatible with Windows 11 Home/Pro, Windows 10 and macOS and supports video conferencing software such as Zoom, Google Meet and Teams. Of course, Microsoft is committed to its own application, and the dock has a dedicated button for Teams, but also others for volume control, mute or playing songs.

The Microsoft Audio Dock is available in a single color, black, from the official store from 249 dollars. A hefty price tag for a dock that isn’t the most feature-rich of its kind, but it adds to its appeal with audio features that save you having to plug in dedicated speakers.