Graphene Audio

LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled its new “xboom by will.i.am” audio product line of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds at CES 2025, created in partnership with musician and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am. 

The xboom Buds employ lightweight graphene drivers, which are key to delivering pure, well-balanced sound with rich bass. Graphene is said to improve durability while supporting LG’s Active Noise Canceling technology, providing a more immersive listening experience. Featuring LE Audio Auracast, the Buds enable users to listen to open audio streams in public and permit multiple device connections so that several users can simultaneously enjoy the same audio. Designed for comfort and stability, the ergonomic ear tips adapt to various ear shapes, while the unique ear hook design provides a snug and stable fit on the go. It offers up to 30 hours of listening time with the support of its charging case, as well as IPX4 water resistance that protects against splashing water.

Alienware debuted its Pro Mouse and Keyboard in January at CES 2024, and now the company is introducing the Pro Headset as part of the series. 

The headphones incorporate various technologies, including 50mm drivers that are coated with graphene to reduce distortion commonly found at higher frequencies. 

LG Electronics (LG) has launched its latest TONE Free T90S model to the global market, designed to offer improved sound for a heightened listening experience. LG stated  that its new T90S earbuds are 'enhanced by pure graphene'.

Delivering an enriched audio experience with improved accuracy and clarity, the newest T90S earbuds use pure graphene for drivers, a departure from the conventional use of coated graphene. The use of pure graphene in LG’s latest earbuds reportedly reduces vibrations and allows users to revel in well-balanced and precise sound with powerful bass and enhanced mid- and high-range frequencies. The T90S earbuds are designed to take full advantage of graphene’s lightweight nature, ensuring a cozy fit that ensures comfort for prolonged listening.

Ora Graphene, producer of free-standing graphene membranes, announced a partnership with Taiwan-based Merry Electronics to develop off-the-shelf GrapheneQ headphone drivers. These, according to Ora, will be the world's first commercially available graphene-based drivers. The two companies will offer 40 mm and 50 mm drivers, which will be available for pre-order in Q1 2024.

Ora Graphene says that it already integrated its technology into flagship products for two major consumer electronics companies - both of these premium gaming headphones. The availability of off-the-shelf headphone drivers will hopefully accelerate the adoption of Ora's technology.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, has unveiled the Logitech G ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset and Base Station, the fifth generation of the ASTRO A50 Series console gaming headset. 

The new ASTRO A5O X is designed to deliver the ultimate console headset experience and will include (among other technological innovations), the PRO-G Graphene Audio Driver technology for high performance gaming audio.

Logitech has launched a new G Pro X 2 Lightspeed gaming headset, that features graphene audio drivers. 

Logitech is using a 50mm graphene diaphragm for the audio driver inside the G Pro X 2, designed to make sound more immersive alongside a 25g weight reduction compared to the original Pro X. 

Graphene-Info is happy to give the stage to talented young graphene researchers, especially with such commitment and passion as Roberto Pezone from TU Delft, who has agreed to chat with us and answer a few questions about his background, work and collaboration with the Graphene Flagship.

Roberto Pezone checking a wafer at its initial fabrication stages

Q: Thank you for this interview Roberto! Very nice to e-meet you. We know you have been involved with graphene research for some time, can you give us a quick overview of your graphene research interests and projects?

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my research. Within the Graphene Flagship's Work Package 6 (core 3), my primary focus lies in integrating graphene into sensors, particularly microphones. My main objective is to develop methods that enable the seamless integration of graphene on a wafer-scale while thoroughly exploring the advantages and disadvantages associated with such approaches.

In addition to developing fabrication techniques, I am also highly interested in characterizing the potential of graphene for acoustic devices. This type of research plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between graphene's exceptional properties and its practical utilization in the industry, unlocking higher performance and new sensor concepts.

Haydale has announced it has supplied audio equipment manufacturer Rega Research ("Rega") with its mechanically enhanced prepreg for improved sound quality on its latest turntable.

Using Haydale's HDPlas technology, the graphene-enhanced prepreg has been applied into the manufacturing process for Rega's award-winning turntables. The mechanically enhanced prepreg has been combined into the stressed skin design of the plinth and bonded to the core material to increase the stiffness of the part by 11% reducing resonance and improving sound quality.

LG Electronics USA has announced its 2022 lineup of TONE Free true wireless earbuds, to be rolled out in the US starting September 2022.

The flagship model, TONE Free T90, is said to deliver impressive sound thanks to several upgrades, including the use of graphene to reduce vibration. The use of graphene helps reduce vibration, while Dolby Head Tracking support keeps the feel of music around the users, even when they move.

Iceni Labs, a spin-out from Imperial College London, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s 2D Materials (2DM) that will see the companies combine their respective expertise to develop and market graphene-based products for the defense, automotive and aerospace markets in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Iceni Labs, a spin-out from Imperial College London, aims to exploit the properties of graphene for devices aimed at the defense market. 2DM manufactures graphene as an additive to enhance the properties of many industrial materials. The MoU will explore the potential to use 2DM’s graphene as an industrial additive to enhance the properties of Iceni Labs-developed industrial products including microphones, weapons optics devices and coatings.