xMEMS Demonstrates True MEMS Speaker for Earphone Applications

xMEMS Labs, a MEMS solutions startup headquartered in Los Altos, California, announced the demonstration of a novel MEMS speaker for earphone applications. This demo, according to the company, showcases not only the benefits of MEMS technologies with small size and low power consumption, but also its scalable design that will enable applications in many markets. The company, which has not yet revealed specifics on their MEMS speaker technology, claims to have developed a complete MEMS process that reduces manufacturing complexities.

MWC 2019 highlighted key areas where the audio industry should focus and from where it could gain it's most important benefits. A trade show vibrant in the presentation of audio technologies for voice interface solutions, smart and connected home and personal devices. I would never have dreamed that one day a trade show such as the Mobile World Congress would be part of my annual agenda. But now, traveling to Barcelona in February became an essential part of my duties for audioXpress every year.

ResearchAndMarkets.com just announced a new market report focusing on the "Global MEMS Market for Mobile Devices 2017-2021." According to the research firm, the global MEMS market for mobile devices is set to grow at a CAGR of 10.55% during the period 2017-2021. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, and includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Expanding on the first presentation of USound’s technology at Mobile World Congress a year ago, in 2018 STMicroelectronics hosted a working product demonstration of a in-earphone using only one single MEMS speaker driver per side, as well as a spatial audio demo using 14 drivers on over-ear headphones, proving the technology’s full potential. MEMS speakers developed by USound and manufactured by STMicroelectronics combine minuscule size, low profile, and high efficiency, enabling multiple wearable form factors.