A cutting-edge pair of AI sports glasses feature innovative audio technology from xMEMS Labs, the company said Tuesday. The new BleeqUp Ranger glasses, developed by Chinese startup BleeqUp, represents the first commercial use of a xMEMS solid state microtweeter in AI eyewear — but likely not the only one.
“xMEMS is proud to help power the next generation of AI wearables,” said Steven Bentley, VP of worldwide sales at xMEMS Labs. “The integration of Cowell into BleeqUp’s glasses not only showcases the high-fidelity performance of our MEMS speakers. We’re excited to help more companies accelerate their path to market with compact, high-performance audio solutions for AI glasses.”
Perhaps that, or the upcoming uses of xMEMS Labs’ Sycamore microspeaker, could signal a new direction for Apple if it revives its smart glasses project.
xMEMS Labs Cowell microtweeter helps power audio in world’s first AI sport glasses
BleeqUp Ranger AI sports glasses incorporate a sophisticated two-way audio system in each arm, xMEMS Labs said in press materials. This design pairs a traditional dynamic woofer to handle bass frequencies with xMEMS’ ultra-thin Cowell micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) tweeter for crisp high-frequency sound and enhanced voice clarity.
xMEMS Labs provides its silicon-based audio technologies to earbuds and headphones manufacturers. This latest innovation follows release of the Lassen microspeaker, which could soon play a part in next-generation earbuds coming from various makers. But xMEMS Labs hasn’t said if Apple and other major players are or could join its growing list of clients.
New AI sport glasses
For Apple users accustomed to the audio quality of AirPods, the use of the Cowell microtweeter in AI glasses promises excellent sound performance while maintaining situational awareness — a critical feature for cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts who need to remain alert to environmental sounds.
At just 1mm thin and weighing a mere 56 milligrams (less than 0.002 ounces), the Cowell tweeter represents a dramatic size reduction compared to conventional coil-based speakers. This miniaturization allows for sleeker, lighter eyewear designs that don’t compromise on audio performance—a design philosophy that aligns perfectly with Apple’s aesthetic principles.
Industry analysts from IDC project the smart glasses market to grow at over 22% annually through 2028, driven by improvements in AI processing power, battery efficiency and consumer demand for seamless digital experiences. The technology demonstrated in BleeqUp’s product addresses one of the key challenges in smart eyewear design: delivering high-quality audio without bulky, power-hungry components that compromise comfort and style.
xMEMS Labs Sycamore speaker: Even smaller and full-range
Looking ahead, xMEMS is already preparing to launch an even more advanced speaker called Sycamore. This next-generation full-range MEMS loudspeaker will eliminate the need for a two-way system by delivering all audio frequencies from a single 1mm-thin driver. At 70% thinner and 90% lighter than conventional speakers, Sycamore could enable all-day comfort in future wearables — something Apple customers have come to expect from their devices.
The partnership between xMEMS and BleeqUp demonstrates how solid-state audio technology can be successfully integrated into the new generation of AI wearables, potentially influencing the direction of future Apple products in this rapidly evolving market segment.
For the Apple ecosystem, which increasingly emphasizes spatial audio experiences across its product line, the developments at xMEMS represent a promising technological pathway. Though Apple reportedly killed its AR glasses project to focus on Vision Pro and other headsets like a possible “Vision Air,” solutions like these could help overcome the significant engineering challenges involved in creating comfortable, stylish and functional smart eyewear.
Buy BleeqUp Ranger glasses from: Kickstarter
Correction: Due to a press release error, this article initially said Cowell weights 56 grams, not the actual weight of 56 milligrams.