xMEMS Unveils AI Glasses Prototypes Featuring Sycamore MEMS Speaker and µCooling Fan

Delivering on earlier announcements, xMEMS Labs will demonstrate new AI smart glasses prototypes at its upcoming xMEMS Live Asia seminar series on September 16 in Taipei, and September 18 in Shenzhen. The concept features Sycamore, a very thin and light “sound-from-ultrasound” MEMS transducer that is able to deliver superior beaming for the challenging conditions of glasses frames. The prototype also showcases how xMEMS µCooling technology will deliver the industry’s first in-frame active cooling solution.

xMEMS Labs announced that its Cowell MEMS drivers are now implemented in a new sports glasses product from BleeqUp, a hardware startup based in China. The BleeqUp product launch, following a spectacular crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, marks the first commercial deployment of a MEMS tweeter in glasses frames, paving the way to further opportunities in the - so far elusive - smart eyewear market.

Ready or not, EssilorLuxottica announced the US launch of Nuance Audio Glasses, a first-of-its-kind invisible open-ear hearing solution for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Combining Nuance’s advanced technology with EssilorLuxottica’s world-class eyewear design, these glasses deliver discreet, all-day hearing support without compromising on style and comfort. Making this first design available through its extensive distribution network is a strategic first step for EssilorLuxottica to promote a category that is just starting.

Making Audio Augmentation useful for everyone, or pursue the regulatory requirements of OTC hearing aids. This article offers a useful perspective regarding the guidance documents published by the US Food and Drug Administration regarding improved access to hearing aid technology. The agency proposes a rule to establish a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids - to be sold directly to consumers in stores or online without a medical exam or a fitting by an audiologist. But most audio manufacturers are better off by not pursuing this FDA-approved OTC market. Doing so will simply hinder critical experimentation and innovation.

See Better. Hear Better. Play Better. That is what inspired leading gaming accessory brand Turtle Beach to partner with Oakley, the leading brand in optical innovation for sports. As a brand rooted in competition, Oakley is expanding its lineup of eyewear developed for gamers and the new partnership pairs Turtle Beach's expertise in creating high-quality, glasses-friendly gaming headsets. The resulting Oakley x Turtle Beach Collection optimizes vision and gaming performance.

JLab Audio is determined to solve major issues consumers have in the wearables category with existing audio-integrated eyewear with the launch of its new JBuds Frames. Opposite to many existing product concepts already launched in the market of eyeglasses frames with built-in speakers, the San Diego, CA-based company decided to offer clip-on wireless speakers that can be added to any existing frames. The new JBuds Frames are also much more affordable.