Nokia's CEO Pekka Lundmark recently made a call using a new technology called "immersive audio and video," which enhances call quality with three-dimensional sound, making interactions feel more lifelike. Lundmark, who was present during the first 2G call in 1991, stated that this technology represents the future of voice calls.
Current smartphone calls use monophonic sound, which compresses audio and makes it sound flat. The new technology introduces 3D audio, making the caller feel as if they are in the same room with the other person. Jenni Lukander, president of Nokia Technologies, called this the biggest improvement in live voice calls since monophonic audio was introduced.
The demonstration call was made with Stefan Lindström, Finland's Ambassador of Digitalisation and New Technologies, using a regular smartphone on a public 5G network. This technology is becoming standardized, allowing network providers, chip manufacturers, and handset makers to integrate it into their products.
Jyri Huopaniemi, head of audio research at Nokia Technologies, explained that this technology could also improve conference calls by separating participants' voices based on their spatial locations. Most smartphones already have at least two microphones, which can be used to transmit the spatial characteristics of a call in real time.
The technology is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard, and Nokia plans to license it. However, it may take a few years before it is widely available.
Key Points
Better Call Quality: Nokia's new technology makes phone calls sound more real and clear, like you're talking to someone in the same room.
Uses 3D Sound: Instead of flat, one-dimensional sound, this technology lets you hear voices in three dimensions, making conversations more lifelike.
Ready for Future Phones: This new sound technology can be used in future smartphones and networks, making it possible for everyone to have better-sounding calls.
FAQs
Q. What is immersive audio and video technology?
Immersive audio and video technology enhance call quality by using three-dimensional sound, making interactions feel more lifelike.
Q. How does 3D audio improve call quality?
3D audio separates sound elements, allowing you to hear voices as if they are in the same room with you, making conversations clearer and more natural.
Q. What is the difference between 3D audio and monophonic sound?
Monophonic sound compresses audio into a flat, single channel, while 3D audio creates a three-dimensional sound experience, making it feel more realistic.
Q. Can this technology be used on current smartphones?
Yes, the demonstration was made using a regular smartphone over a public 5G network, and most smartphones with at least two microphones can implement this technology.
Reference
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