In what could be a breakthrough for wearables and other electronics, xMEMS Labs unveiled Sycamore on Tuesday. It’s the world’s first full-range near-field MEMS micro speaker. Measuring just over one millimeter thick, the innovation promises to make some noise with compact gear you don’t put in your ears. Those would be items like open-fit earbuds, such as AirPods and sport earphones, smartwatches like Apple Watch, AR glasses and headsets like Vision Pro, and other consumer electronics.
Like other xMEMS micro speakers that bring solid-state sound to earbuds and headphones, the new technology uses a novel “sound from ultrasound” platform. It generates full-frequency audio from ultrasonic waves within a chip-sized form factor.
“With Sycamore, mobile electronics can now achieve thinner, more stylish form factors while maintaining big, rich sound,” said Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP of marketing and business development. “With better performance at both the low and high ends, Sycamore delivers powerful, full-range audio for smartwatches, smart glasses, and any other small, mobile form factor that engineers dream up.”
xMEMS Labs’ Sycamore micro speaker pumps up sound in open-fit earbuds, smartwatches, XR glasses and more
Photo: xMEMS Labs
At just one-seventh the size and one-third the thickness of traditional dynamic drivers, the Sycamore micro speaker represents a leap forward in miniaturization of audio components. But unlike previous xMEMS micro speaker products, meant for use in products from headphone and earbuds makers, Sycamore will power small speakers in items like smartwatches, open-fit earbuds and XR glasses like Ray-Ban Meta.
Measuring just 8.41mm x 9mm x 1.13mm and weighing only 150 milligrams (0.005 ounces), Sycamore achieves what many thought impossible, xMEMS said. It delivers full-range audio from an ultra-compact package. The device offers enhanced performance at both ends of the audio spectrum, with up to 11dB additional “headroom” in sub-bass frequencies and 15dB improvement above 5KHz compared to conventional speakers, the company said.
Photo: xMEMS Labs
“The applications for Sycamore µSpeakers are limited only by designers’ imagination,” Housholder said. “In smartphones, Sycamore offers a higher-quality earpiece speaker for clearer calls and greater privacy. In cars, Sycamore’s size, weight and performance makes it a micro-sized tweeter for headrests, headliner and pillar placements. And of course, not only does Sycamore’s audio performance deliver a full sound experience for smartwatches and glasses, but its size allows designers to create sleeker, fashion-forward products that consumers will love.”
When I spoke with Housholder about Sycamore, he declined to comment about any possible partnership or client relationship with Apple. But he told Cult of Mac it would clearly be desirable because Apple is such a big player in various xMEMS markets.
Wide-ranging applications
Image: xMEMS Labs
Unlike its predecessor, the xMEMS Cypress µSpeaker designed for noise-cancelling earbuds, Sycamore is engineered for open-air listening devices. Its IP58 rating ensures durability and sweat resistance, making it suitable for active users.
The technology’s potential applications extend beyond personal audio devices. The company envisions Sycamore being integrated into:
- Smartphones as high-quality earpiece speakers
- Automotive systems as micro-sized tweeters for headrests and pillars
- Smartwatches
- AR/VR devices
- Open wireless stereo (OWS) earbuds
- Laptops and tablets
- Portable Bluetooth speakers
Manufacturing and availability
Photo: xMEMS Labs
So the new speaker uses the same fabrication process as xMEMS’ existing products. That includes its XMC-2400 micro-cooling fan on a chip for mobile devices. This manufacturing commonality enables rapid scaling and innovation across product lines.
xMEMS will demo Sycamore in the first quarter of 2025, including at CES in January in Las Vegas. Mass production is scheduled for October 2025, the company said. The technology’s introduction could mark a turning point in consumer electronics design. It may enable a new generation of ultra-thin devices with improved sound.
Read more on Cult of Mac about xMEMS Labs products:
- First over-ear headphones with xMEMS solid-state micro speakers coming soon
- xMEMS bets tiny silicon ‘fan on a chip’ will change mobile-device cooling
- Coming ‘ultrasonic’ revolution could change wireless earbuds forever
- xMEMS Labs drives faster adoption of solid-state micro speakers for earbuds
- Noble’s swanky new earbuds use xMEMS’ advanced solid-state driver
