Sony has new noise-cancelling earbud-type headphones that use MEMS technology.

ECONOMIST: Noise-cancelling technology

We know the following to be true: microelectromechanical systems ( MEMS) technology can foster some very inventive gadgetry, and it's a wonderful four-turn, 45-point Scrabble word (barring special tiles and presuming an abnormally-large board).

ENGADGET: Hitachi's MEMS display: big aspirations in a little prototype

These mikes use a technology known as MEMS (microelectromechanical systems).

ECONOMIST: Noise-cancelling technology

Not only is video performance absolutely superb -- easily beating the competition -- sound quality is another strong point thanks to Nokia's Rich Recording technology, which uses MEMS digital microphones and enables clear, distortion-free audio capture at levels up to 140-145dBs.

ENGADGET: Nokia 808 PureView review: the future of mobile imaging, wrapped in the smartphone past

If MEMS were integrated circuits, this would be 1968: hundreds of small companies chasing new technology, but no dominant player yet no MEMS Intel or Motorola to rise above the pack and give the industry an identity.

FORBES: MicroMachines: They're Huge

Texas Instruments derives its MEMS revenues largely from its digital light processor (DLP) technology, which steers and focuses light in high-resolution projectors and displays.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The technology is based on highly efficient solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer fabrication methods, including key nanotechnology elements, and is fueled by recyclable high energy power cartridges, or pods.

ENGADGET: Lilliputian debuts Nectar Mobile Power, promises two weeks of battery life per cell

Investors waiting for MEMS start-ups to go public are more likely to see them acquired by incumbents, probably when their technology shows some proven value.

FORBES: MEMS The Word