Nokia announced on Monday that it is using 3D spatial audio for the first time for voice and video calls. It uses the 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec to make calls over cellular networks, allowing callers to hear “real-time spatial sound.”
The IVAS codec is part of 5G Advanced, an upcoming upgrade to 5G networks that delivers faster speeds, greater energy efficiency, more accurate cell-based positioning and more. Currently, all calls made over cellular networks are mono, meaning the audio is compressed into a single channel. Spatial audio, on the other hand, makes sounds appear to come from different directions because they are delivered through multiple channels.
Some apps, such as Apple Music, Netflix and Disney Plus, offer spatial audio for a more realistic listening experience – but only on supported listening devices. Nokia says IVAS codec can enable spatial audio in “most” smartphones with at least two microphones Reuters. “This is now becoming standardized… so network vendors, chipset manufacturers, handset manufacturers can start implementing it in their products,” Nokia President Jenni Lukander said.
Nokia is just one of the companies working on incorporating the IVAS codec into 5G Advanced. However, as pointed out Reuterswe probably won’t see more immersive audio and video calls on cellular networks for several years.
