The 2nd generation of USound's MEMS speakers already attracted the attention of several big players in the consumer electronics space. The Austrian company is currently working with large true wireless stereo brands and manufacturers to implement the required production processes that will make the use of MEMS drivers in wireless earbuds an attractive proposition. But USound is also tapping into potential applications in the hearing aids market, while also exploring several other product concepts for its MEMS microspeaker technology.
Colsan Audio specializes in supplying hearing aid and pro audio technology and solutions to companies in the EMEA region. This includes high-performance DSP's with proprietary algorithms and high precision acoustic components such as MEMS microphones, balanced armature receivers and miniature electromechanical components. In addition, Colsan also provides a high precision In-Ear Monitor design, assemble and test service.
Joining forces with USound for the release of its second generation MEMS speakers is a logical proposition for hearables and the evolving hearing aid market. The increasing demand for smart hearing aids with embedded technology, including AI, sensors for fall detection, fitness tracker and others, requires a smaller speaker driver with lower power consumption that enables the space needed to embed those additional components without compromising the battery duration or the audio quality.
"The partnership with Colsan Audio brings us closer to the leading hearing aid manufacturers who want to bring their high-tech products to the next level with our MEMS speakers," says Paul Kutschera, VP Sales at USound.
Colsan Audio's commitment results from USound's MEMS technology's impact on the miniaturization and simplification of the audio module in consumer electronics. "Understanding the complexity in the design of hearing aids devices is where Colsan Audio excels." says Colin Bigland, Founder and Owner of Colsan Audio. "We believe that migrating to USound technology will not only enhance the performance of hearing aid devices but will significantly reduce manufacturing costs through the use of this revolutionary MEMS technology".
The partnership between the company, starting from March 2021, signals another important step for USound, following the release in 2020 of its second generation of MEMS speakers, which is IPx8 rated and by far the thinnest speaker in a round form factor. These drivers can be safely submerged up to 3 meters for about 30 minutes, opening new application possibilities even underwater. And MEMS speakers are SMT reflow compatible, enabling fully automatic assembly of audio products to achieve the highest quality and performance.
USound also recently launched its B2C brand, marketing MEMS speakers based audio glasses to end customers. USound technology continues to gain momentum, and through 2021, the company has already announced the intention to launch more MEMS products in the market. Currently, USound is working on getting a dedicated range of out-of-the-shelf, power-efficient MEMS amplifiers, offering features such as configurable filter functions and application optimizations.
With its offices in Graz, Vienna, and Shenzhen, USound enables global manufacturers and brands to create smart audio applications with MEMS speakers. USound MEMS technology is safeguarded by over 300 filed patents.
www.colsanaudio.com
www.usound.com
