Nokia's Breakthrough in 3D Voice Calling

Nokia Revolutionizes Voice Calling with 3D Spatial Sound Technology

Nokia has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in voice calling technology by successfully conducting the world's first immersive voice call using the new 3GPP Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec. This innovative codec, developed in collaboration with Nokia, creates a spatial sound effect, resembling 3D audio, during calls, effectively elevating the audio quality and transforming the traditional monophonic sound experience. The technology, requiring a minimum of two microphones in a smartphone, underwent real-world testing over a cellular network during a video call between Nokia's CEO and a Finnish ambassador. Nokia anticipates that this advancement will not only enhance voice and video calls on mobile devices and PCs, but also enrich augmented reality and virtual reality encounters, ultimately making digital interactions more lifelike. Despite the anticipation for widespread implementation, the integration of the IVAS codec into the upcoming 5G-Advanced standard is projected by the end of 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Nokia achieves the "world's first immersive" voice call using the new 3GPP IVAS codec.
• The IVAS codec introduces 3D-like "spatial sound" for real-time voice and video calls.
• Nokia conducts the inaugural real-network test of IVAS with its CEO and a Finnish ambassador.
• The IVAS codec is expected to be integrated into the "5G-Advanced" standard by the end of 2025.
• The technology holds the potential to enhance augmented reality and VR interactions, providing a more realistic experience.

Analysis

Nokia's development of the 3GPP IVAS codec, enabling immersive "spatial sound" in voice and video calls, signifies a significant milestone in communication technology. This breakthrough promises direct benefits for telecom operators and device manufacturers as it enhances user experience, potentially resulting in an increased market share and revenue. Furthermore, it may indirectly stimulate growth in the augmented reality and virtual reality sectors, as more realistic audio interactions become attainable. Although the short-term impact is restricted by its integration into the 5G-Advanced standard by 2025, the long-term implications could redefine digital communication and immersive experiences, influencing global tech trends and consumer expectations.

Did You Know?

• 3GPP Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS): A novel codec developed within the 3GPP framework, aimed at enhancing voice and audio services by introducing a 3D-like "spatial sound" feature, effectively making voice and video calls more immersive and realistic.
• 5G-Advanced Standard: A progressive evolution of existing 5G technology, designed to further enhance the capabilities and performance of mobile networks. It is expected to integrate advanced features and technologies, including the IVAS codec, to not only improve voice and data services but also support emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) with higher quality and efficiency.
• Spatial Sound: A technology that creates a 3D audio effect, enabling listeners to perceive sound in a three-dimensional space. In the context of the IVAS codec, spatial sound enhances voice calls by providing a more natural and immersive audio experience, simulating sounds from various directions and distances, akin to real-world sound behavior.