Nokia just announced for the first time . This is actually a big deal because currently all phone calls made over the cellular network are monophonic, so there is no scope for spatial audio.
This call, however, is placed over the mobile network using 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec, which allows people to hear “spatial sound in real time.” For the uninitiated, surround sound is split into multiple channels to make it sound like it’s coming from different directions. This technology has become quite popular but video calls are definitely a unique use case scenario.
However, you won’t be able to call a family member to argue politics in great 3D audio just yet. The IVAS codec is part of an upcoming update to 5G networks called 5G Advanced. This upgrade is expected to offer faster speeds, improved power efficiency and more accurate mobile positioning. 5G Advanced will technically make location calls possible, however Reuters he says before mobile networks started offering service.
The only possible drawback is that the IVAS codec will only enable spatial audio on smartphones with at least two microphones, although this is currently most of them. Nokia says the “vast majority” of phones should offer support for location-based voice calls once carriers are on board.
It should also be noted that this technology was not developed by the company . The mobile phone brand was licensed to HMD a few years ago. This is the research and technical arm of the company, so no need to joke about flip phones.
Nokia isn’t the only company trying to expand the use of spatial audio. It sounds now in selected original titles and podcasts, and Netflix recently brought the technology .
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