Nokia has made a significant milestone in the world of telecommunications by introducing the first audio and video call using 3D spatial audio over a cellular network. The company announced this breakthrough on Monday, which was achieved using the 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec. This innovative technology allows callers to experience sound in real-time, spatially, as if they were coming from different directions.
Unlike traditional phone calls that use monophonic audio with audio compressed into a single channel, spatial audio creates an illusion that sounds are coming from various directions when delivered through multiple channels. Several popular apps like Apple Music, Netflix, and Disney Plus already offer spatial audio for a more realistic listening experience on supported devices. However, only a small percentage of smartphones currently support this feature.
Nokia has revealed that the IVAS codec could enable spatial audio in most smartphones equipped with at least two microphones. The standardization process for spatial audio is now underway, and network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset manufacturers can start incorporating it into their products. Nokia is collaborating with other companies to integrate the IVAS codec into 5G Advanced, which promises faster speeds, improved energy efficiency, more accurate cellular-based positioning, and more.
While it may take a few more years before users can witness more immersive audio and video calls on cellular networks, this breakthrough marks an exciting step forward in the evolution of telecommunications technology. With further advancements in 5G networks and the increasing adoption of smartphones with advanced features like spatial audio capabilities, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions emerge in the future.
