Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

xMEMS Sycamore Micro-Speakers are Coming to Wearable Devices in 2025

xMEMS Sycamore is a near-field micro-speaker that’s one-seventh the size and one-third the thickness of conventional dynamic drivers.

xMEMS Devices 2025

The increased popularity of wearable and compact devices that provide audio playback has resulted in greater demand for extremely small speakers that can deliver good sound quality.

One of the leaders in micro speakers is xMEMS Labs, makers of solid-state, all-silicon micro speakers (µSpeakers) used in an increasing number of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds. Following up on its previously released Cypress driver for earbud applications, xMEMS has launched its latest micro-speaker — the xMEMS Sycamore.

Unlike the xMEMS Cypress µSpeaker, which delivers full-range audio for occluded, in-ear, active noise-canceling (ANC) earbuds, the Sycamore is a near-field speaker designed for used in open-air listening devices such as open wireless stereo (OWS) earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses, AR/VR headsets, and other mobile and wearable devices.

xMEMS  Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker Promo
xMEMS  Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker Smart Glasses

Different from typical small dynamic drivers, the xMEMS Sycamore is an all-silicon semiconductor chip capable of delivering full-range, high-fidelity sound using the xMEMS “Sound from Ultrasound” platform.

“Sound from Ultrasound” technology turns ultrasonic waves, otherwise inaudible to human ears, into full-frequency audio that’s better quality, higher-res, and more detailed than previously available options.

The Sycamore measures 8.41 x 9 x 1.13 mm and weighs only 150 milligrams. It is one-seventh the size of a conventional dynamic drivers used in many earbuds and one-third the thickness. It is easier to integrate into ever-thinner electronics such as smartwatches and glasses.

As an all-silicon, solid-state µSpeaker, Sycamore is IP58-rated to be rugged and sweat-resistant.

Tip: Sycamore dimensions may vary to accommodate device needs.

xMEMS  Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker Smart Watch

With first-order low-frequency roll-off, the Sycamore is able to provide the mid-bass performance of legacy drivers while supporting as much as 11dB headroom sub-bass extension.

The Sycamore also pushes high-frequency sound performance as much as 15dB above 5KHz in comparison to legacy drivers. This makes it an ideal near-field µSpeaker tweeter alternative for laptops, automotive, and portable Bluetooth speakers.

xMEMS  Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker Laptop

From Mike Housholder, xMEMS’ VP of Marketing and Business Development: “With Sycamore, mobile electronics can now achieve thinner, more stylish form factors while maintaining big, rich sound,…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.” 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

xMEMS  Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker in Earphone

xMEMS Sycamore is based on the same fabrication process as the xMEMS Cypress in-ear ANC µSpeaker and the xMEMS XMC-2400 micro-cooling (µCooling) fan on a chip. Using one manufacturing platform, xMEMS can deliver multiple different xMEMS micro products faster.

xMEMS  Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker OpenFit Earphone Example

The Bottom Line

xMEMS continues to fill the need for innovative speaker options for ever-smaller products that require smaller speakers. With the addition of the Sycamore, they are expanding beyond the earbud environment and making a play to be the major speaker supplier for smart glasses, smart watches, over-ear earbuds, and more.  

Having attended demonstrations of xMEMS speaker technology, they work surprisingly well given their extremely small size. They are not meant to fill a room with sound but deliver sound directly to your ears from portable and wearable devices. 

Given their track record, within the next year or so, you will be able to hear the results of what the Sycamore can do. Of course, there are products that already incorporate other xMEMS micro speaker solutions (refer to our related reading section at the end of this article) that one can listen to in order to judge for themselves.

xMEMS Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker Sycamore Speaker Chip
xMEMS Sycamore Ultrasonic Micro Speaker Sycamore Speaker Chip

Availability

xMEMS will be providing Sycamore silicon chip samples to select early product brand customers in Q1, 2025, with mass production expected to begin in October 2025 for purchase by device makers. Consumers may see this technology included in select compatible open earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses, and AR/VR headsets later in 2025 or in 2026. 

Tip: The xMEMS Sycamore is manufactured in partnership with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and Bosch.

For more information: xmems.com/mems-loud-speakers/

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

New Products

Noble audio FoKus Rex5 True Wireless ANC Earbuds

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

At $449, the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 wireless noise cancelling earbuds drop xMEMS support in favor of a new hybrid 5-driver array.

Amazon Omni Series QLED Mini-LED TV - Promo Image Amazon Omni Series QLED Mini-LED TV - Promo Image

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Amazon introduces top-of-the-line Omni Series Mini-LED QLED 4K TVs in sizes from 55 to 85-inches at affordable price points.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Lifestyle Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Lifestyle

New Products

At $249, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus features 3.1 channels, but is expandable to 5.1 with optional wireless subwoofer and speakers.

Vincent Audio SV-500 MK Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Vincent Audio SV-500 MK Hybrid Integrated Amplifier

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

SV-500 MK Adds HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity and outputs 50 watts per channel for $1,500.

Fell Audio Amp and Disc Fell Audio Amp and Disc

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Fell Audio aims to attract British hi-fi buyers seeking retro aesthetics with value driven audio performance from its inaugural £1000 stack.

Schiit Audio Wotan Stereo Power Amplifier Front Angle Silver Schiit Audio Wotan Stereo Power Amplifier Front Angle Silver

Amplifiers

Lots of power, practical integration and control, and a reasonable price tag make the Wotan power amp worth consideration, especially if you own other...

You May Also Like

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

At $449, the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 wireless noise cancelling earbuds drop xMEMS support in favor of a new hybrid 5-driver array.

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

JLab proclaims their new Epic Sport ANC 3 are their best-sounding sport wireless earbuds yet, and only $99.

News

AMPACS has developed an over-ear headphone prototype using XMEMS micro speakers with 35mm, 40mm or 50mm dynamic drivers.

Headphone Amps

At $229, the iFi ZEN CAN 3 Headphone Amp is optimized for headphones with xMEMs drivers but will work with what you already have?

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

At $219, Beyerdynamic's first open-ear true wireless earphones aim to promote situational awareness without sacrificing sonic performance.

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

xMEMS introduces two proof of concept true wireless earbuds using solid-state MEMS micro speaker technology.

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

At $999, the FiiO FA19 audiophile in-ear monitors claim extremely powerful, deep bass without sacrificing the finesse of high frequencies.

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

$369 premium wireless earbuds combine a custom made 6.5mm dynamic driver with a Cowell xMEMS driver for high-quality sound.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers