This is the first commercial deployment of a MEMS tweeter in AI glasses and signals xMEMS’ move into the fast-expanding AI eyewear market.
BleeqUp’s AI sports glasses feature a 2-way audio architecture in each arm, combining a traditional dynamic woofer for low frequencies with the Cowell MEMS tweeter to deliver high-frequency clarity, crisp treble detail, and improved voice intelligibility. The result, according to xMEMs, is a more immersive audio experience for outdoor cyclists while keeping ears open to the environment for safety.
Commenting Steven Bentley, VP of Worldwide Sales at xMEMS Labs, said, “The integration of Cowell into BleeqUp’s glasses showcases the high-fidelity performance of our MEMS speakers.”
The Cowell tweeter is just 1mm thin and weighs 56 milligrams, giving designers the freedom to create thinner and lighter AI glasses without sacrificing audio quality. As AI eyewear rapidly evolves to include real-time translation, personal assistants, and contextual information overlays, there is a need for high-quality, low-profile speakers that preserve situational awareness.
According to IDC, the global smart glasses market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 22% through 2028, driven by advancements in AI processing, battery efficiency, and consumer demand for seamless digital/physical integration. Audio is a critical component of this experience, and traditional speakers are often too bulky, heavy, or power-hungry to meet modern design and user expectations.
Cowell’s debut also sets the stage for Sycamore, xMEMS’ upcoming next-generation full-range MEMS loudspeaker that eliminates the need for a 2-way system by delivering all audio frequencies (bass, midrange, and treble) from a single 1mm-thin driver. Sycamore is 70% thinner and 90% lighter than conventional coil speakers, enabling all-day comfort and even more streamlined eyewear designs.
