1Mm-Thick Speakers May Change Smart Glasses, Watches, Earbuds

XMEMS, the trailblazer behind the first speaker developed using microchip manufacturing techniques, is gearing up to unveil its latest innovation in miniature audio devices. The new model, dubbed Sycamore, boasts a thickness of merely 1.13 mm and a weight of just 150 milligrams. Despite its small size, it is designed to deliver full-range sound across short distances, such as between your ears and the arms of your smart glasses, as stated by the company.

Sycamore represents a significant advancement in the lineage of micro speakers. The initial iteration from XMEMS was ideal for wireless earbuds, excelling at high frequencies but relying on a dynamic driver for low-end sounds. The subsequent model could produce full-range audio but still required an ear canal seal provided by a silicone tip. Now, with Sycamore, XMEMS introduces a micro speaker capable of full-range sound reproduction without the necessity for a completely closed system.

The audio capabilities of the Sycamore driver outshine those of conventional speaker technologies. According to XMEMS, it features a first-order low-frequency roll-off that matches the mid-bass performance of traditional drivers, while providing up to 11 decibels of headroom for sub-bass extension. Furthermore, Sycamore enhances high-frequency performance by as much as 15 dB above 5KHz compared to its predecessors.

Essentially, the Sycamore is anticipated to deliver superior low and high-frequency sounds. Its durability is another standout feature, earning an IP58 rating that ensures it is resistant to both water and dust ingress.

However, the most impressive aspect of Sycamore could be its compact size, which is reportedly one-seventh the size of a conventional dynamic driver and one-third the thickness. This significant reduction could pave the way for sleeker designs in smart glasses, lighter and more resilient smartwatches, and smaller yet higher-quality open-ear earbuds.

XMEMS anticipates that Sycamore could serve multiple applications beyond traditional uses. Its high-frequency capabilities make it a potential candidate for tweeters in automotive headrests, Bluetooth speakers, and laptops. Moreover, its integration in smartphones as an earpiece speaker could enhance call clarity and provide greater privacy.

Despite these promising prospects, the release of Sycamore samples for electronics manufacturers is not expected until the first quarter of 2025, with mass production projected to begin in October 2025. As a result, we might see the first products featuring Sycamore technology unveiled during CES 2026.