# Compute-in-Memory Audio Chips Anker Announces the Thus AI Audio Chip For New Headphones By Kanesa David | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-04-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-audio-chip References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/ai/ankers-thus-chip-brings-ai-to-its-headphones-and-other-products-122142552.html) & [anker](https://www.anker.com/)  [Anker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundcore-liberty-5-pro) introduced Thus, a Compute-in-Memory (CIM) AI audio chip designed to run neural networks locally on tiny wearables. The company said it will debut Thus inside a new headphone model at its Anker Day event on May 21, featuring [on-device processing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aios-platform) that integrates compute directly into NOR flash memory cells for faster read speeds. Thus packs AI into a compact footprint suited to power-constrained products like earbuds, operating with milliwatt-level efficiency while keeping storage and processing colocated. Anker highlighted one named feature, Clear Calls, which will run a large neural network on-device supported by eight MEMS microphones and two bone-conduction sensors to improve call clarity and [noise suppression](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/technics-eahaz100-true-wireless-earbuds) in difficult environments. If successful, Anker plans to extend Thus to other mobile accessories and IoT devices, making advanced audio AI viable without cloud dependence. Image Credit: Anker ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 70% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Compute-in-memory Audio Processing:** Localizing neural compute inside memory arrays reduces latency and power consumption, permitting richer audio models to run on milliwatt‑scale wearables. - **On-device Neural Noise Suppression:** Running large speech‑enhancement networks on the device enables high-quality call clarity and robust noise suppression without cloud dependency. - **Sensor-fusion Voice Enhancement:** Integrating MEMS microphones and bone‑conduction sensors with on-chip AI creates more context-aware and accurate voice capture in challenging acoustic environments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Audio:** Headphone and earbud manufacturers can deliver premium call and ANC experiences with privacy-preserving, cloud‑free intelligence built into hardware. - **Wearable Devices:** Wearables and hearables are positioned to include sophisticated speech models and personalized audio features while meeting strict power and size constraints. - **Iot Edge Devices:** Smart home and edge sensors could adopt low‑power on‑chip speech processing to enable private, real‑time voice interfaces and noise filtering at scale. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Coin-Sized AI-Powered Voice Recorders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundcore-work.md) - [Long-Life Over-Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/headphone-a.md) - [Seamless Audio Adjustment Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cmf-headphone-pro.md) - [AI Voice Detection Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polyn-technology.md) - [Noise-Cancellation Headphone Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dali-io12-headphones.md) - [Wireless High-Res Audio Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sennheiser-hdb-headphones.md) - [Long-Lasting Audio Brand Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fender-mix.md) - [Noise Canceling Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cmf-headphone.md) - [Luxe Lossless Audio Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones.md)