Nokia successfully completed the world’s first immersive voice and audio call. This call utilized a new codec called IVAS, which allows for real-time 3D spatial audio during calls.
The call was between Nokia’s CEO and Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalization and New Technologies. This technology is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard and promises a more natural and engaging calling experience.
The IVAS codec allows users to hear sound directionally. This innovation paves the way for improved communication and opens doors for advancements in XR and metaverse applications.
Nokia Rings in the Future of Calls with Spatial Audio Breakthrough
Nokia has taken a major leap forward in communication technology, successfully conducting the world’s first live voice and audio call with spatial audio. This groundbreaking achievement, completed on June 10th, 2024, ushers in a new era of immersive calling experiences.
The call, between Nokia’s President and CEO, Pekka Lundmark, and Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalization and New Technologies, Stefan Lindström, utilized the innovative Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec. This codec, developed by Nokia as part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard, allows users to hear sound in a three-dimensional space during calls, replicating a more natural in-person experience.
Currently, standard smartphone calls deliver audio in a flat, monophonic format. IVAS, however, offers a significant upgrade by transmitting spatial audio information. This means users can perceive the direction of sound, creating a more lifelike and engaging conversation. Imagine hearing the traffic noise on the other end of the line or the rustle of papers in a colleague’s office – IVAS aims to bring that level of detail to phone calls.
The implications of this technology extend beyond personal communication. The ability to experience spatial audio during calls opens doors for enhanced communication in professional and industrial settings. For example, imagine a remote engineer receiving real-time audio cues that pinpoint the location of a malfunctioning machine during a service call.
While the IVAS standard is still under development, Nokia’s successful demonstration highlights the potential of this technology. The company was able to achieve the spatial audio experience on a public 5G network using their proprietary Immersive Voice technology, showcasing the potential for future implementation.
This breakthrough is a testament to Nokia’s leadership in telecommunication standards development. The company played a pivotal role in creating the IVAS codec and holds a significant patent portfolio in connectivity technologies. By contributing to a global standard, Nokia ensures interoperability between different devices and network operators, making spatial audio calls accessible to everyone.
The successful demonstration marks a significant milestone in communication technology. As Nokia and other industry leaders refine and implement spatial audio solutions, we can expect a future where phone calls feel more natural, engaging, and informative than ever before. This innovation paves the way for not only a more immersive calling experience but also advancements in virtual and augmented reality applications, further blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.