A new era of communication: Nokia makes first call with 3D spatial audio
Nokia’s R&D division has announced the first-ever call using 3D spatial audio. This is a breakthrough event, as all phone calls made over the cellular network have been monophonic until now, and spatial audio has not been used.
Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark made a phone call using a new technology called immersive audio and video. The demonstration call was held with Stefan Lindström, Finnish Ambassador for Digitalization and New Technologies.
The call was made over a cellular network using the 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec, which allows real-time spatial audio. Spatial audio is divided into several channels, creating the effect of sound coming from different directions. This technology is already popular for listening to music, but its use in video calls is truly unique.
However, for now, ordinary users will not be able to enjoy the benefits of 3D audio during phone calls. The IVAS code is part of the upcoming 5G network upgrade called 5G Advanced. This update promises faster speeds, improved energy efficiency, and more accurate positioning in cellular networks. 5G Advanced will technically make spatial calling possible, but according to Reuters, it will take several years before cellular operators start offering this service.
The only possible obstacle is that the IVAS codec will only work on smartphones with at least two microphones, although most modern phones are already equipped with them. Nokia says that the “vast majority” of phones will support spatial audio calls once cellular operators adopt the innovation.
