Anker unveils its own AI chip

Anker has unveiled its own AI chip, Thus. The chip applies a compute-in-memory design to run local AI on audio devices, mobile accessories, and IoT devices, enabling it to handle complex computations in a smaller size and with lower power.

Anker CEO Steven Yang explained that while existing AI chips separate the model and computation, requiring parameters to be continuously moved, Thus performs computation where the model resides, reducing the burden of movement. The first product to apply it is Soundcore's next flagship earbuds, designed to run larger neural networks in earbuds, which have significant size constraints.

The company stated that it can handle millions of parameters, a scale far larger than existing small on-device networks. Combined with 8 MEMS microphones and 2 bone conduction sensors, it aims for clearer call quality even in noisy environments.

Based on leaks, the first products to feature it are likely the Liberty 5 Pro Max and Liberty 5 Pro, with expected prices of $229.99 and $169.99 respectively. Anker plans to unveil additional AI features and product details at Anker Day on May 21.