Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark recently showcased a new technology called “immersive audio and video” that enhances the quality of phone calls by providing three-dimensional sound, creating a more lifelike interaction. This groundbreaking innovation aims to revolutionize voice calls by offering a more realistic audio experience. Lundmark, who was present during the first 2G call in 1991, believes that this technology represents the future of voice communication.
Traditional smartphone calls are monophonic, which can make audio sound compressed and less detailed. In contrast, immersive audio offers 3D sound that simulates a face-to-face conversation, making it seem like both parties are in the same room. According to Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies, this technology marks a significant advancement in live voice calling compared to current smartphone audio capabilities.
During a recent call with Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalisation and New Technologies, Stefan Lindström, Nokia tested this new technology using a regular smartphone on a public 5G network. The company hopes to standardize this technology so that network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset manufacturers can easily integrate it into their products. This innovation can also be used for conference calls, allowing participants’ voices to be separated based on their spatial locations.
Nokia’s technology utilizes the spatial characteristics of calls in real-time, making use of the multiple microphones commonly found in smartphones. While the 5G Advanced standard includes this technology, it may take a few years before it becomes widely available. Nokia aims to secure licensing opportunities for this groundbreaking technology.