Nokia Unveils “Immersive Audio and Video” Technology for Enhanced Voice Calls
Nokia, under the leadership of CEO Pekka Lundmark, has introduced a groundbreaking technology called “immersive audio and video” that promises to revolutionize voice calls. By enabling the simultaneous transmission of video and voice, this technology enhances the quality of communication by providing three-dimensional sound, making interactions more lifelike.
Lundmark, who has been at Nokia since its initial 2G contact in 1991, expressed his excitement about the future of voice calls. “We have demonstrated the future of voice calls,” he stated confidently. This demonstration showcased Nokia’s potential to transform the way we communicate.
Currently, voice conversations made on smartphones use monophonic audio, resulting in less detailed and shallower sound. However, with the introduction of immersive audio technology, calls will become three-dimensional, allowing individuals to hear the conversation as if they were physically present with the other person. This advancement represents a significant breakthrough in telecommunications.
Jenni Lukander, president of Nokia Technologies, emphasized the significance of this development. “It is the most significant advancement in the process of live voice calling,” she said. With immersive audio, the live voice calling experience will be greatly enhanced, surpassing the current monophonic telephony audio used in smartphones and PCs.
To showcase the capabilities of this technology, Nokia initiated a call using a standard smartphone connected to a public 5G network. Stefan Lindstrom, Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalization and New Technologies, had the opportunity to participate in the call and witnessed firsthand the potential of immersive audio.
In an interview with The Guardian, Lukander highlighted that this technology is becoming standardized and can be implemented by network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset manufacturers in their products. This indicates that immersive audio is set to become a widespread feature in the future.
The possibilities for this technology are vast. Jyri Huopaniemi, Nokia Technologies’ director of audio research, believes it can be employed in conference conversations, allowing for better spatial separation of participants’ voices. Additionally, immersive audio opens up the potential for immersive conversations between individuals, a groundbreaking application.
Executives at Nokia have proposed transmitting the spatial parameters of a communication in real time for implementing this technology. Most smartphones are equipped with at least two microphones, enabling the utilization of immersive audio. Nokia is actively seeking license opportunities for this technology, which is expected to be a part of the forthcoming 5G Advanced standard. However, it may still take a few years before consumers can widely access this technology.
In conclusion, Nokia’s immersive audio and video technology is set to redefine voice calls by providing a more realistic and engaging communication experience. With the potential for widespread implementation and various applications, this advancement marks a significant milestone in the field of telecommunications.