xMEMS Labs Debuts Reference Designs for True Wireless Stereo Earbuds and In-Ear-Monitors

Intended to accelerate the adoption of its MEMS microspeakers in true wireless earbuds and in-ear monitors, xMEMS Labs announced the availability of two innovative reference designs available for purchase directly at the xMEMS web store. These reference designs, featuring production-ready MEMS drivers, allow developers to get familiarized with the implementation and performance of xMEMS products, setting brands or manufacturers on a clear and accelerated path to market.

Noble Audio designs some of the finest universal and custom in-ear monitors available, primarily targeting personal audio enthusiasts and performing musicians. The company's latest innovation for a broader consumer market are the new Falcon Max True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds featuring a hybrid arrangement with MEMS-based drivers from xMEMS Labs, in a dual mode Bluetooth Classic/LE Audio design with aptX Adaptive and LDAC support.

Reviving the original strategy that motivated the acquisition of in-ear monitor manufacturer Aurisonics and taking lessons from the very successful playbook of Swedish design house Zound Industries with guitar amplifier brand Marshall, Fender announces an all-new range of consumer Fender Audio products. From true wireless earbuds designed like musicians IEM's, all the way to portable Bluetooth speakers that look like miniature Fender guitar amps.

Halter Technical, a Los Angeles-based creator of headphones and headsets purposely built for the broadcast and video production industry, announced a new wireless design that takes lessons from the most recent Bluetooth TWS earbuds and hearing aids to create what the company calls the world’s smallest rechargeable miniature wireless in-ear monitor. The Microsone Discreet Audio Monitoring System introduces a new level of flexibility and control on set.

The Fraunhofer IPMS spin-off company Arioso Systems GmbH has successfully completed its first round of financing. The company is launching an innovative sound transducer principle for miniaturized headphones, in-ears and hearables to the market. The company's new micro loudspeaker technology made from 100% silicon, is based on the patented Nanoscopic Electrostatic Drive (NED) principle developed by Fraunhofer IPMS. The technology can considerably extend the functional scope for true wireless earbuds and revolutionize the industry, Arioso believes.

Promoted every year by the market research firm Futuresource Consulting, Audio Collaborative 2019 full-day conference on November 7 was invaluable, with Futuresource's leading market analysts and researchers sharing some of the latest stats and trends on the topics in the agenda, combined with great panels and in-between keynotes. This is the fourth - and last - of my reports, originally published in The Audio Voice newsletter.