Nokia makes the World's first Immersive Call II VYGR

The First Immersive Call: Nokia's CEO and President Pekka Lundmark launched the world's first Immersive Audio and Video call over a cellular network. Considered to be a milestone in the evolution of communications technology, this claims to drastically improve the quality of the call even on regular smartphones with 5G-Connectivity. Nokia was able to effectively demonstrate Immersive Audio and Video Services (IAVS) technology in a real-time call, but its implementation over mobile networks has yet to be completed.

The 3^rd Generation Partnership Project IVAS Codec Standard

This project was created by a coalition of 13 firms as part of the IVAS codec public collaboration. Nokia created the smartphone-specific format for the IVAS standard and has generally been at the forefront of standardization efforts.

What is an Immersive Video Audio Call?

The new Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec technology is part of the futuristic 5G Advanced standard. Currently, all phone calls made via a cellular network are monophonic which means the audio is being transmitted through a single compressed channel. Nokia's latest technology, however, introduces the 3D audio function that enables callers to perceive the surroundings and hear each other as if they were in the same physical space. This particular type of audio is called Spatial Audio, where sounds appear to come from different directions through multiple channels. With this attempt, they are trying to create an essence that is closest to an in-person meeting.

The momentous test call was made with Finland's Ambassador of Digitalization and New Technologies, Stefan Lindstrom, from a campus in Espoo, Nokia's country of origin. Describing the entire experience, Lindstrom said that the IVAS technology monumentally improves the quality of the call and makes it as engaging as a lifelike interaction. He added,

“Immersive communications technology will also take XR and metaverse interaction to the next level."

The call was made with a regular smartphone on a public 5G network, demonstrating the practicality of this invention. The innovation may potentially play a role in allowing interoperability among operators, chipsets, and handset manufacturers, thereby making spatial communication accessible to everybody. Currently, the IVAS codec technology is used in apps like Netflix, Apple Music, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Peacock to offer a lifelike audio experience to users.

Inputs: Agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies