Anker debuts Thus AI chip with compute-in-memory design to power local AI in tiny earbuds

Anker Unveils Custom AI Chip for Compact Devices

Anker has announced Thus, its first custom AI chip designed to bring on-device AI capabilities to audio devices, wearable devices, and IoT devices 1

1

. The company describes the Thus chip as the world's first neural-net compute-in-memory AI audio chip, marking a significant departure from traditional chip architectures 1

1

. Unlike conventional chips that separate processing and storage, Thus integrates computation directly into NOR flash memory cells, where AI models are already stored 2

2

. This architectural shift eliminates the energy-intensive process of shuttling data between memory and compute units, reducing both power consumption and latency 3

3

.

Anker CEO Steven Yang explained the fundamental difference: "Every AI chip built until now stores the model on one side and does the computation on the other. To think, the device has to carry all those parameters across, many times per second, every single inference. Thus puts the computation where the model already lives. The model never has to move again" 1

1

. The Compute-in-Memory approach, while not entirely new in theory, has seen limited real-world deployment until now 3

3

.

Why Earbuds Present the Ultimate Challenge for AI Chips

The first Thus chip will integrate into Soundcore's upcoming flagship Soundcore earbuds, set to debut at Anker Day on May 21 1

1

. Anker deliberately chose earbuds as the launch platform because they represent the most challenging environment for AI implementation 2

2

. These devices operate with just a few milliwatts of power within extremely tight space constraints, yet must consistently provide noise cancellation and other AI-powered features 2

2

.

Traditional earbuds rely on small neural networks capable of handling only a few hundred thousand parameters due to limited power availability 1

1

. However, the energy-efficient compute-in-memory design enables the Thus chip to handle several million parameters, significantly expanding computing power for complex tasks 1

1

. Based on leaks, the first earbuds featuring the Thus chip are likely the Liberty 5 Pro Max and Liberty 5 Pro, expected to be priced at $229.99 and $169.99, respectively 1

1

.

Clear Calls Feature Tackles Real-World Noise Challenges

The Clear Calls feature demonstrates how local AI processing can transform everyday audio experiences 2

2

. Traditional call noise cancellation struggles in very noisy environments, often resulting in ambient noise leaking through or voices becoming highly compressed and difficult to hear 1

1

. Anker addresses this by combining the larger neural network available on the Thus chip with eight MEMS microphones and two bone conduction sensors to isolate the speaker's voice 1

1

3

3

.

This multi-sensor hardware stack, powered by the chip's ability to run larger models locally, promises significantly cleaner call audio regardless of the environment 1

1

. The system suppresses ambient noise without relying on cloud processing, which improves privacy and reduces latency 3

3

. Additional AI-powered features including "Signature Sound" and "Voice Control" are planned, though Anker has not yet detailed these capabilities 3

3

.

Broader Implications for Mobile Accessories and IoT

Anker positions Thus as the first step in a longer-term effort to bring local AI processing to mobile accessories, wearables, and IoT devices—categories that have traditionally depended on cloud-based models due to power and size limitations 3

3

. The NOR flash memory used in Thus provides faster read speeds than NAND memory while maintaining low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-constrained products 2

2

5

5

.

If the approach succeeds, it could influence other device makers and potentially impact how companies like Apple and Sony approach AI in compact devices 3

3

5

5

. The chip is being fabricated in Germany, and while Anker says it's not becoming a chip company, the technology could enable smarter smartwatches and other low-powered devices that have traditionally relied on cloud-based AI 5

5

. The real-world test arrives when the upcoming earbuds launch in May, competing against established players like Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6 1

1

.