Nokia has developed the 3GPP IVAS codec standard in collaboration with a consortium of 13 companies under the IVAS codec public collaboration. This breakthrough in voice communication technology enables users to experience calls with spatial 3D sound in real-time, departing from the current monophonic smartphone voice call experience.
Nokia Introduces 3D Audio Technology
Current smartphone calls typically lack depth and detail, delivering flat and compressed audio. However, a breakthrough technology is set to change that by introducing 3D audio, creating a lifelike experience for callers.
Nokia President and CEO Pekka Lundmark recently demonstrated this innovation during a live call with Stefan Lindström, Finland's Ambassador for Digitalization and New Technologies.
In a press release on Monday, Nokia said that this call from the company's campus in Espoo, Finland, used cutting-edge technology known as the Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec. This codec is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard and promises enhanced audio experiences.
Interesting Engineering reported that Lundmark showcased the immersive capabilities of IVAS technology, allowing Lindström to experience spatial audio firsthand. Nokia said the IVAS technology enables real-time spatial audio across various connected devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or PCs, fostering more natural and engaging interactions.
Finnish telecommunication company Nokias President and CEO Pekka Lundmark gives a press conference at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona on February 28, 2023. (Photo : PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Standardization Efforts, Industry Collaboration
The announcement underscored that this advancement marks a significant stride forward in live voice calling, surpassing the current monophonic telephony audio used in smartphones and PCs.
Lundmark highlighted the potential of the technology, emphasizing its ability to immerse users in the caller's environment, providing a spatial and vastly improved listening experience for both voice and video calls.
According to the press release, the 3GPP IVAS codec standard was crafted by a consortium of 13 companies within the IVAS codec public collaboration framework. Nokia spearheaded the development of a smartphone-specific format for the IVAS standard, positioning itself at the forefront of standardization endeavors.
This breakthrough also holds the potential to facilitate interoperability among operators, chipset manufacturers, and handset producers, paving the way for widespread access to spatial communication capabilities.
The press release also highlights Nokia's successful demonstration of the IVAS technology in a real-time call despite its yet-to-be implementation in mobile networks. In this inaugural live call, Nokia employed its Immersive Voice technology via a public 5G network to deliver an immersive experience.
Lindström remarked on the enhanced richness and quality of the call facilitated by IVAS. He emphasized how the three-dimensional sound experience enhances interaction, offering new benefits to personal and professional communication. Lindström also anticipated how immersive communication technology will elevate XR and metaverse interaction in the future.
The introduction of 3D audio technology represents a significant leap forward in live voice calling, transforming the traditional smartphone call experience. As we look forward to further advancements, the potential for enriched interaction in personal and professional spheres is promising.
