Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark achieved a significant technical milestone by conducting the world’s first phone conversation using a novel “immersive audio and video” technology. By incorporating three-dimensional sound, this device endeavors to enhance the quality of phone conversations, thereby enhancing the realism of interactions. Lundmark underscored the transformative potential of this new technology by asserting, “We have exhibited the future of voice calls.” Lundmark was present at the time of the first 2G call in 1991, which was another significant milestone in the development of telecommunications.
A significant advancement in the field of audio technology.
The audio components of current smartphone communications are compressed to generate a less detailed, flatter sound, as they are monophonic. Nevertheless, the new immersive audio technology prioritizes 3D sound, enabling callers to appreciate discussions as if they were in the same room as the other person. Jenni Lukander, the President of Nokia Technologies, lauded this accomplishment as “the most significant advancement in the live voice calling experience since the introduction of monophonic telephony audio, which is currently utilized in smartphones and PCs.”
The Historical Call
Using a conventional smartphone over a public 5G network, Lundmark conversed with Stefan Lindström, Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalization and New Technologies. The technology’s practical application was the primary focus of this demonstration, which underscored its capacity to transform ordinary conversations.
Standardization and Implementation
“This is now becoming standardized,” Lukander stated, suggesting that network providers, semiconductor manufacturers, and phone manufacturers may begin to integrate this technology into their devices. According to Jyri Huopaniemi, Nokia Technologies’ director of audio research, this method has the potential to enhance intelligibility and engagement by segregating individuals’ voices based on their geographical location during conference calls.
The technology can be implemented by transmitting the spatial characteristics of a communication in real-time, as the vast majority of smartphones now have at least two microphones. Nokia intends to make this immersive technology widely available in a few years by utilizing licensing opportunities, as it is a component of the future 5G Advanced standard.
Revolutionizing Communication
Nokia’s innovative immersive audio and visual technology has the potential to revolutionize the manner in which we engage with voice conversations. The richness and quality of conversations are significantly enhanced by the integration of 3D sound into mobile communications, resulting in more engaging and realistic interactions. This innovation not only improves personal communication but also has significant applications in the corporate and industrial sectors, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) environments.
Lundmark emphasized, “This groundbreaking audio technology takes you to the caller’s environment, creating a spatial and massively improved listening experience for voice and video calls.”
Prospects for the Future
Nokia’s comprehensive audio and visual technology represents a substantial improvement in the field of telecommunications. It has the potential to enhance both personal and professional relationships as it becomes more standardized and integrated into consumer products. The technology is in alignment with Nokia’s objective of defining the future of connectivity through the development of groundbreaking innovations that provide a more immersive and sophisticated experience for individuals worldwide.
Nokia is at the forefront of technological advancements by focusing on high-quality, immersive experiences, which are guiding telecommunications into a new era of realistic interactions. Nokia’s status as an industry leader will be solidified as this technology acquires momentum, thereby elevating the standard for audio and video quality in mobile communications.
