An ultra-thin Solid-state Speaker Delivers Full-range Sound for Smartwatches
Last year, California’s xMEMS Labs introduced a solid-state micro-speaker aimed at delivering full-range sound for open earphones. Now, the Sycamore has been modified to create “the thinnest speaker in the world, specifically designed for wrist-worn wearables.“
Slimmer Speakers, Smarter Watches
Smartwatch makers are adding more features without increasing bulk. xMEMS says its Sycamore-W design cuts speaker size by up to 70%, allowing room for more sensors and larger batteries.
“Traditional coil speakers can be 3–4 mm thick and weigh up to 3 g, while this near-field MEMS micro speaker measures just 1.28 mm thick and 150 mg, making it far smaller and lighter.”
xMEMS Labs
The speaker operates by using thin-film piezo actuators to vibrate a silicone membrane, generating sound waves.”The design uses significantly less back volume than small dynamic drivers, while still matching or exceeding their mid-bass performance and delivering a noticeably stronger high-frequency output.”
The solid-state design is tough, withstanding 10,000 g shocks and meeting IP58 dust protection standards—ideal for active and outdoor-focused wearables, the press release states.
xMEMS Labs
Early access device manufacturers are currently receiving samples, and mass production is set to begin in Q2 2026. Google plans to announce additional Sycamore architecture variants tailored to specific applications later this year.
“Sycamore-W redefines smartwatch audio with a compact, high-performance design,” said Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP. “As wearables become key for hands-free AI use, it enables premium sound in smaller, tougher devices.“
xMEMS also introduced a silicon MEMS tweeter for earbuds, delivering up to 115dB SPL from 6kHz to 20kHz using a standard 1Vrms output, with no extra amplification needed. Additionally, the company has expanded its µCooling fan-on-a-chip platform into AI data centers.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
Read more: xMEMS Introduces A Sompact Speaker Designed For Smartwatches
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