Although the concept remains elusive and somewhat far-fetched, many technology and consumer electronics companies believe that glasses frames will become the next hot item in wearables, as they enable open-ear sound, and text information projected on the lenses. By being audio-enabled, glasses can also become connected to AI assistants, creating new possibilities for eyewear. Unfortunately, efforts so far showcased by numerous brands - some even launched commercially - remain embarrassing cases of unusable technology, with many frames being extremely large, heavy, ugly, and constrained in terms of the actual implementation.
Targeting a new generation of slimmer, lighter, and more capable AI-powered eyewear, the new xMEMS prototypes serve to show that MEMS drivers will greatly enhance sound transmission in frames - working through the principle of air conduction above the ears. And by becoming cooler, they potentially will enable lower battery consumption, which is essential if these so-called “smart glasses” will want to support actual user interactions with AI assistants. Among the possibilities discussed but never successfully implemented so far would be augmented reality with real-time translation, spatial navigation, and even hands-free productivity tools.
Whatever the goal and design ambitions, xMEMS is trying to meet these requirements head-on with its latest MEMS technologies. The Sycamore MEMS driver delivers full-bandwidth audio in a 1.28mm-thin package that’s up to 70% smaller and 90% lighter than traditional coil speakers. Designed to disappear inside the frame, Sycamore enables something closer to “immersive” music playback. No question that the ultrasound modulation technology in the Sycamore drivers enables an audio quality that cannot be achieved with simple piezo microspeakers.
For its part, xMEMS µCooling technology helps solve the heat buildup challenge created by on-device processors and displays. This solid-state fan-on-a-chip delivers localized, silent, vibration-free cooling from within the frame, reducing surface temperatures by up to 40% and improving thermal margins by up to 70%.
“Smart glasses are poised to become the next AI interface – transforming how we access information, communicate, and experience the world,” forecasts Mike Housholder, VP of Marketing at xMEMS Labs. “But they’ll only succeed if they remain as wearable as they are capable. Sycamore and µCooling remove two of the biggest barriers – speaker bulk and heat – enabling thinner, lighter designs that deliver crystal-clear sound, precise thermal control, and all-day comfort.”
Independently of what these smart glasses are intended to do or support, these technologies free designers from traditional constraints, creating space for more sensors, batteries, and processors while improving user comfort and durability. A combination that xMEMS hopes will make AI glasses viable for mainstream, all-day use.
As it did in previous years, xMEMS is heading to Asia to interact with manufacturers and ODMs currently working on new product concepts. Live demos at xMEMS Live Asia will showcase form-factor glasses prototypes featuring the Sycamore full-range, near-field MEMS speakers for clear and natural voice interactions combined with µCooling’s precision thermal management inside frames, cooling a 1.5W thermal load.
Now in its third year, xMEMS Live Asia brings together engineers, product designers, system architects and company executives to explore development with MEMS solutions. This year’s one-day seminars will center on live product demonstrations of Sycamore and next-gen headphones. xMEMS will demonstrate also a smartwatch with Sycamore, TWS earbud solutions with Cypress and Lassen, and thermal demos showcasing µCooling at both chip and system levels.
In addition to hands-on demos, the seminar features deep-dive technical sessions from xMEMS engineers, covering performance testing, system integration, and product optimization.
“AI is changing how we interface with devices while also increasing processor and thermal loads,” adds Joseph Jiang, CEO of xMEMS Labs. “At xMEMS Live Asia, we’ll demonstrate how Sycamore and µCooling technologies are enabling a new generation of thinner and lighter weight conversational AI interfaces and active thermal management for improved on-device intelligence and system performance.”
Registration is now open, and seating is limited - Register here. There are registrations for English, Simplified Chinese, or Traditional Chinese languages.
www.xmems.com
