Nokia Ushers in New Era of Spatial Audio Calls with Pioneering Technology

Groundbreaking advancements in telecommunications have been spearheaded by Nokia with the successful execution of the first immersive video call over a 5G network. This call marks a benchmark in communication by utilizing the novel Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec technology, which is slated to revolutionize not only everyday communication but also expand the horizons of XR and metaverse interactions.

During a demonstration conducted from Nokia’s campus, CEO Pekka Lundmark used the IVAS technology to place a video call to Finland’s ambassador of digitalization, Stefan Lindström, showcasing the transformative capabilities of spatial audio. This technology imparts a sense of real-time, three-dimensional sound, enhancing the sensory experience and creating a near-physical presence in digital conversations.

The immersive call was lauded by Lindström, who underlined its potential to significantly enrich both personal and professional communication with its heightened realism and interactivity. He emphasized the technology’s role in fostering more lifelike exchanges, which could benefit various sectors including enterprise and industry.

Lundmark expressed pride in Nokia’s leadership in developing immersive audio technologies, which are instrumental in pushing the boundaries of traditional voice calls towards an engaging, spatial listening experience. He underscored the substantial advantages the technology promises for various applications.

Nokia Technologies’ president, Jenni Lukander, also praised the efforts of the company’s researchers and engineers in driving innovation and contributing to global standardization, which will ensure that these advancements are widely accessible.

The IVAS codec is expected to be integrated into the 5G Advanced standard, enhancing the capability of connected devices to deliver live three-dimensional sound. Nokia’s demonstration over a public 5G network precedes the full implementation of the technology, showcasing their leading role in the consortium responsible for the IVAS codec standard development.

Key Questions and Answers:

1. What is the IVAS codec technology?
The IVAS (Immersive Voice and Audio Services) codec technology is a new development in audio processing for telecommunications, enabling spatial audio over 5G networks. It creates a three-dimensional sound experience which simulates real-life audio, making digital communications more immersive.

2. What significance does the successful demonstration of a video call using IVAS technology have?
This demonstration signifies a major leap forward in telecommunication technologies, potentially changing how we perceive remote communication by offering a more lifelike, engaging experience, which is particularly beneficial for the XR (Extended Reality) and metaverse applications.

3. Who are the key players in the development and standardization of this technology?
Nokia has been instrumental in the research and development of the IVAS codec technology, and the company is also a leading member in the consortium responsible for its standardization.

Key Challenges and Controversies:

Adoption: Pushing the industry to adopt a new standard is always challenging. Ensuring compatibility with existing systems and gaining consensus among stakeholders can be hurdles to widespread adoption.
Accessibility: Making this technology easily accessible to the general public while maintaining quality and affordability presents a logistical challenge.
Privacy and Security: As with any advancement in communication technology, ensuring data privacy and security is paramount. New technologies have to be scrutinized for potential vulnerabilities.

Advantages:

Enhanced Communication: Spatial audio offers a more natural and engaging way to communicate, improving personal and professional interactions.
Industry Application: This technology has broad applications across various sectors, including entertainment, education, teleconferencing, telehealth, and more.
Metaverse Experience: IVAS enhances the metaverse and XR experiences by providing realistic audio, which is crucial for immersive virtual environments.

Disadvantages:

Cost and Implementation: Developing and deploying new technologies can be expensive, and it might take time before it is economically feasible for widespread use.
Network Dependency: The reliance on 5G may limit the functionality in areas with poor network coverage.
Hardware Requirements: Users may need new devices that support IVAS technology, leading to additional expenses and the need for hardware upgrade cycles.

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The source of the article is from the blog mgz.com.tw