Wearables

xMEMS introduces the future of audio technology

It’s all silicon

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“Solid-state” often goes hand-in-hand with storage technology. However, the technology can go beyond hard drives. As early as now, it is readying a massive push for an unexpected industry: audio technology. Before the biggest brands adopt the new technology, check out the latest development coming to your earbuds.

Pioneered by xMEMS Labs, solid-state fidelity is slowly making its way to next-generation TWS earbuds and other personal audio devices. Compared to the coil architecture commonly used today (and has been used for a century), the new silicon membrane architecture weighs much less but performs much better.

Instead of a coil, the system melds thin-film piezo technology with silicon, much like solid-state technology today. The resulting product is only a tenth of the weight of a speaker today. Because of the reduced weight, it’s easier to produce more units at a faster clip.

Now, as for the audio quality, xMEMS Labs reports that the technology is 95 percent stiffer, allowing for better midrange and treble responses. In a personal test of the prototype, I can confirm that it does sound better. I came in with a pair of Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, but I wanted to leave with an unbranded and 3D-printed prototype. The soundstage was much more immersive, allowing for the music to really breathe. No fiddling around with an equalizer required.

Besides audio quality, the company also worked on the technology’s ANC capabilities. With the new SkyLine DynamicVent, the silicone-based device can switch between noise-cancelling and transparent modes in an instant. The system uses a closable vent, which has been tested for durability (including in a washing machine where it went through unscathed).

The Montara Plus

Now, the silicon architecture comes in three flavors: Cowell, Montara, and Montara Plus. While the Cowell focuses more on TWS devices, the Montara series aims to deliver an audiophile-level, high-fidelity in-ear monitor experience to devices.

At the time of publication, xMEMS Labs had not announced any brand which will sport the new technology in the future. The company does state that notable names in the industry have already inked deals to incorporate the system into their own products. Plus, since the technology is easier to reproduce, it would ideally cost much less than most devices today, hopefully resulting in better savings for consumers.

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HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro for golf launches

Professional golf management on your wrist

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The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has officially launched. This collaboration between HUAWEI and HONMA Golf, Japan’s prestigious golf house, brings professional golf management to users’ wrists.

Along with advanced smart technology and decades of craftsmanship tailor-made for golf, the premium wearable transforms the way golfers play, track, and enjoy every round.

The limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro comes in a Premium Gift Box. It is priced starting PhP 17,999 (~ US$ 307) until March 11 in the Philippines before it reverts to its original price of PhP 19,999 (~ US$ 341).

The Premium Collection Gift Box comes with golf accessories: a commemorative golf ball, divot toll, and special ball marker.

The golf-centric premium smartwatch features professional-grade golf intelligence. It also comes with more than 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including more than 100 local maps.

This allows golfers to visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones in advance to plan each hole with confidence.

Instead of guessing, players can manage risks better, commit to their shots, and focus on execution.

Moreover, Green Slope Direction gives clearer insight into how a putt will break. Play-Like Distance, meanwhile, factors in elevation changes and wind conditions.

Furthermore, AI Caddie works quietly in the background, analyzing swing history, performance trends, and course layout to offer smarter recommendations moving forward.

Complementing these are Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards which automatically capture every swing and score. This way, users can understand their insights and track progress after each round.

And using the HUAWEI Health app, users can also access Through Ball Trajectory Sharing to relive their best shots and review key moments.

Here’s the complete set of on-course tools with the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro:

  • Greens View
  • Fairway View
  • Fairway Panoramic View
  • Front / Middle / Rear Green Distance
  • Obstacle View Ranging
  • View Obstacle Zone/Target
  • Free Point Ranging
  • Wind Speed/Wind Direction
  • Electronic Scorecard
  • Half-Court Scoring
  • Switch Court function
  • Play-Like Distance

Luxurious designs

Design wise, every detail of the wearable reflects premium Japanese craftsmanship. Its default HONMA Elemental Dial features a traditional Japanese Pine Leaf Pattern.

This is paired with a putter-shaped second hand. There is also another HONMA-exclusive option with a BERES 7S dial in vibrant blue with Mt. Fuji for a truly iconic look.

The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and HONMA-engraved gold buckle for a luxurious yet durable build.

In front is a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The watch also lasts up to 21 days on a single charge.

Health features are likewise advanced, including heart rate, HRV, breathing, and interruptions. Stress and emotional wellbeing are also tracked every 10 minutes and integrated into the HUAWEI Health app.

Aside from golf, the watch supports over 100 sports modes, including pro-level activities. There’s also support for freediving for up to 40 meters with depth and duration tracking.

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Samsung is teasing smart glasses again

The brand is experimenting with more form factors.

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What comes next after the smartphone? For years, brands hunted for an answer. Apple, for example, placed its bet on the Vision Pro, a wager that hasn’t paid off yet. Samsung, on the other hand, is betting on a different horse: augmented reality.

In a new earnings call (via Seeking Alpha), Samsung’s Seong H. Cho, the brand’s head for mobile marketing, confirmed that they will experiment more with “diverse form factors such as next-generation AR glasses.”

Samsung has been teasing a pair of glasses for a while now. However, with an impressive lineup already in the works (including the brand’s first trifold smartphone), it’s understandable that hype for the teased glasses took a bit of a backseat.

But, with an official word now about the wearable, the game is once again on to create an impressive pair of smart glasses.

The only question here is the “next-generation” part. Since Samsung doesn’t really have a pair out in the market right now, it’s a bit difficult to determine what the next generation might mean.

Of course, it could simply be a marketing term that implies smart glasses are the next generation of technology. If it pertains to what’s already out in the market, it could mean a pair that comes with a camera or even a display. Of note, most smart glasses today (or, at least, those accessible to most users) use only audio for its smart functionalities.

SEE ALSO: Samsung teases anti-shoulder surfing privacy feature

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Wearables

HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i to launch in the Philippines

Best ANC earbuds under US$ 100?

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The HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, featuring AI noise cancellation, is coming to the Philippines on February 2. It promises a sub-PhP 5,000 asking price, and an advanced noise cancellation for earbuds under the segment.

Of course, users are also assured of immersive audio, pro-level call clarity, and more features in one sleek, modern package.

At the wearables’ core is Dynamic ANC 4.0. This is capable of an average full-band noise reduction depth of 28 dB and up to 55 dB maximum noise cancellation.

The earbuds focus on average full-band performance rather than isolated frequency peaks. This way, the noise reduction experience is more natural and consistent — aligning with how the human ear perceives sound.

The advanced system is powered by an ultra-large 8 mm² rear vent and super-sized air guide cavity. These are designed to absorb and slow down external noise more effectively. They also detect and cancel noise faster and more accurately.

Moreover, the HUAWEI Freebuds 7i also boast of an advanced six-microphone system that can suppress up to 90 dB of ambient noise.

Combined with a bone-conduction mic, Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), and AI call noise reduction, users are ensured of stable and clear calls, wherever they may be.

New dimension of immersive sound

Beyond the ANC capabilities, HUAWEI’s latest offering is equipped with a newly added Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for Unlimited Spatial Audio with six-axis sensor and head tracking.

This creates a dynamic 3D soundstage that adapts naturally as users move. Unlike traditional spatial audio systems, the feature works independently of device type or content source.

Inside are 11mm quad-magnetic dynamic drivers paired with Hi-Res Audio certification. The balanced sound signature features punchy bass and bright yet delicate treble. Such is suited for several scenarios, including music, gaming, videos, and calls.

Other features include IP54 dust and water resistance, as well as dual-device connectivity and full compatibility with both Android and iOS.

The buds last up to 35 hours along with their charging case. Fast charging support also offers hours of listening for just a brief 10-minute charge.

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