A new era of calling: Nokia has made the first call using 3D spatial audio

Nokia's science and technology division announced the first ever call using 3D spatial audio. This is a breakthrough event as all phone calls made over the cellular network so far have been monaural and spatial audio has not been used.

Here's What We Know

Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark made a phone call using a new technology called immersive audio and video. The demonstration call was conducted with Stefan Lindström, Finland's ambassador for digitalisation and new technologies.

The call was conducted over a cellular network using the 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec, which allows real-time audio to be heard spatially. The spatial audio is split into multiple channels, creating the effect of sound coming from different directions. This technology is already popular when listening to music, but its application in video calls is truly unique.

For now, however, regular users won't be able to enjoy the benefits of 3D audio during phone calls. The IVAS codec is part of an upcoming upgrade to 5G networks called 5G Advanced. This upgrade promises faster speeds, improved energy efficiency and more accurate positioning in cellular networks. 5G Advanced will technically make spatial calls possible, but according to Reuters, it will be several years before mobile operators start offering the service.

The only possible hurdle 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 the "vast majority" of handsets will support spatial audio calls once mobile operators join the innovation.

Source: Reuters