Micro speaker innovator xMEMS Labs has been steadily expanding its footprint—starting with earbuds and now branching out into other categories, including wearables, where size and performance matter most. With that in mind, xMEMS has revealed that its Cowell tweeter will be featured in the world’s first AI-powered sports glasses—The Ranger—from hardware startup BleeqUp.
The BleeqUp Ranger AI Sports Glasses pair a dynamic woofer with xMEMS’ solid-state Cowell tweeter to improve audio clarity, particularly in the high frequencies and vocal range, while maintaining open-ear awareness for safety. With its compact 1mm profile and lightweight 56g design, the Cowell tweeter enables a more streamlined and comfortable frame without sacrificing sound quality.
This announcement marks a strategic move for xMEMS as it establishes a presence in the expanding AI glasses market, which is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of over 22% through 2028. The integration of the Cowell tweeter addresses critical requirements for modern wearable audio—offering high-frequency precision, ultra-low distortion, and a minimal 1mm profile for streamlined integration into products like AI sports glasses.
Designed for advanced applications such as real-time translation and contextual AI audio feedback, Cowell provides the necessary fidelity and spatial clarity. This also sets the foundation for the upcoming Sycamore—xMEMS’ next-generation, full-range MEMS driver engineered to deliver the entire audible frequency spectrum from a single, ultra-thin transducer, effectively eliminating the need for a multi-driver system in compact devices.
BleeqUp’s new AI sports glasses pack a clever 2-way audio system into each arm, pairing a dynamic woofer for low-end punch with a Cowell MEMS tweeter for crisp highs and clearer voice audio. But it’s not just about sound quality—these glasses are designed to keep cyclists aware of their surroundings. With wind-resistant audio and open-ear design, riders can stay connected without tuning out the world around them—a critical feature when too many cyclists are being injured or killed by distracted drivers.
“xMEMS is proud to help power the next generation of AI wearables,” said Steven Bentley, VP of Worldwide Sales at xMEMS Labs. “The integration of Cowell into BleeqUp’s glasses not only showcases the high-fidelity performance of our MEMS speakers. We’re excited to help more companies accelerate their path to market with compact, high-performance audio solutions for AI glasses.”
Audio plays a crucial role in this experience, but traditional speakers are often too bulky, heavy, or power-hungry to meet modern design and user expectations. xMEMs aims to address this challenge by providing innovative audio solutions that align with these evolving needs.
Cowell Tweeter Technology: High-Quality Audio in Just 1mm for AI Glasses
The Cowell tweeter is just 1mm thin and weighs a mere 56 grams—far lighter than traditional coil-based speakers. This breakthrough allows designers to craft thinner, lighter, and more stylish AI glasses without compromising audio quality. As AI eyewear evolves to integrate features like real-time translation, personal assistants, and contextual information overlays, the demand for high-quality, low-profile speakers that maintain situational awareness has never been more critical.
Cowell’s debut in glasses sets the stage for the upcoming Sycamore, xMEMS’ next-generation full-range xMEMS loudspeaker that eliminates the need for a 2-way system by delivering all audio frequencies (bass, midrange, and treble) from a single 1 mm-thin driver. Sycamore is 70% thinner and 90% lighter than conventional coil speakers, enabling all-day comfort and even more streamlined eyewear designs.
With the Cowell micro-speaker paving the way, xMEMS Sycamore is forthcoming. xMEMS is positioning its solid-state audio roadmap purpose-built for AI glasses. xMEMS invites AR/VR, AI, and wearable device makers worldwide to collaborate in shaping the future of spatial audio and hearables with MEMS speaker innovation.
What is BleeqUp Ranger?
BleeqUp Ranger claim to be the world’s first 4-in-1 AI sports glasses for cycling, running, trekking, and other outdoor pursuits. They combine an AI sports camera, long-endurance battery, open-ear headphones, and sports-grade comfort into one lightweight frame. Its features include:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chipset
- AI Auto Highlights Capture
- AI Generate Clip
- Cycling Activity Tracking
- Cycling Data and Video Integration
- Route Planning and Navigation
- Smart Voice Control
- Walkie-Talkie Communication
- Bluetooth for Music Listening via compatible Smartphones, Tablets, etc…
BleeqUp Ranger AI Glasses Specifications
| Price | $379 |
| Lens | Replaceable lenses; 0.00D to -6.50D Myopia |
| Frame Material | TR90 |
| Onboard Storage | 32GB |
| Camera | Photo: Up to 16MP (4656 x 3496) Video: 1920×1080 @30FPS / 1080×1920 @30 FPS FOV (Field of View): 120-degree view Video Stabilization: Cycling-specialized EIS Algorithm |
| Speakers | 2 full-range dynamic speakers, 2 xMEMS enhanced speakers |
| Microphones | 5-Mic Array |
| Software & Connectivity | Video Transfer: Via glasses’ Wi-Fi with the BleeqUp APP SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Bluetooth: 5.3 Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n/ac Compatible OS: iOS 17 or later, Android 11 or later |
| Power Source | 5V/0.5A, 50% charged within 30 minutes |
| Charging Method | USB Type-C via a magnetic pogo-pin connector |
| Run Time | Over 1 h+4 h for recording FHD videos continuously (battery pack provides 4 additional hours) 8 h + 40 h for playing music continuously (battery pack provides 40 additional hours) |
| Battery Capacity | 260mAh (built-in battery) |
| Operating Conditions | IP54; Wind-resistant; 0°C to 40°C |
| Net Weight | Less than 50g |
| Package List | Glasses: Cycling glasses; Portable box; Magnetic charging wire; Glasses bag; Glasses cloth; Prescription lens frame Battery Pack: BleeqUp Ranger Power Plus; Magnetic charging wire; Velcro straps Controller: BleeqUp Ranger Bluetooth controller; Install gaskets; Installation rubber bands; Velcro straps; Button cell |
The Bottom Line
xMEMS is doubling down on its strategy to equip ever-smaller gadgets with diminutive yet capable speakers. The BleepUp AI glasses mark the company’s entry into a rapidly expanding wearables market. You may not have heard the name xMEMS before, but its wafer-thin micro-speaker modules are poised to appear in a growing array of earbuds and smart devices.
I’ve attended live demos of xMEMS’s MEMS drivers—and they perform far beyond what their 1 mm thickness suggests. They’re not built for room-filling sound; instead, they route audio directly into your ears from truly portable hardware. A handful of products already feature xMEMS micro-speaker solutions (see “Related Reading”), and we expect that list to expand rapidly. Long live the rebellion.
Price & Availability
BleeqUp Ranger is available for $379 at bleequp.com.
Related Reading
