Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark caused a stir in the tech world by making the world’s first “harmful” phone call. This breakthrough, known as “immersive audio and video”, significantly improves call quality even on standard 5G mobile phones.
“This is the biggest step forward in the real-time voice experience since the introduction of monophonic voice on smartphones and computers today,” said Jenni Lukander, head of Nokia Technologies.
This next-generation technology is expected to be particularly useful in conference calls, where it can clearly distinguish and amplify participants’ voices, creating a more realistic audio experience.
Traditional monophonic speech compresses the sound elements, resulting in a flat and less detailed sound. However, engaging speeches promise to change how we communicate and make communication livelier and more interesting.
What is an Immersive Phone Call?
As the name suggests, Immersive Call aims to create a communication experience that feels more realistic and interactive.
This is achieved through various advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and haptic feedback. Nokia’s approach uses surround sound, a technology designed to mimic the natural way we experience sound in real life.
For those unfamiliar with surround sound, it enhances the listening experience by creating a sense of presence and direction, making it seem like the sound is coming from a specific location. This is especially useful for group calls or meetings where it can simulate the experience of being in a physical conference room.
How Does an Immersive Phone Call Work?
Most modern smartphones with at least two microphones can support this technology. Nokia claims that immersive calls can be made by “broadcasting real-time call status features.” This means that the technology captures and reproduces the sound’s spatial characteristics, improving the overall sound quality.
The Future of Immersive Calls
This immersive calling technology is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard, and Nokia is exploring licensing options for its wider use. By integrating spatial audio into normal conversations, Nokia is creating a platform for a new era of communication, where every conversation feels more natural and interesting.
Nokia’s innovations in surround-phone technology are a significant step forward in how we experience voice communication.
By improving sound quality and creating a more realistic sound environment, this technology promises to revolutionize not only personal calls, but also professional and conference calls, making communication more realistic and effective. As this technology becomes more common, it could redefine our expectations of voice quality and communication.
Most smartphones have at least two microphones that can implement the technology, transmitting real-time call status features, executives said.
The technology is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard, and Nokia is looking for licensing opportunities with the technology, which will likely take a few years to be widely available.
