MLow: Meta's low bitrate audio codec
How has the implementation of MLow codec affected user engagement on platforms like Instagram and Messenger?
The implementation of the MLow codec has significantly improved user engagement on platforms like Instagram and Messenger. The MLow codec provides better audio quality at lower bitrates, which is particularly beneficial for users with slow-speed connections or low-end devices. As a result, users on these platforms are experiencing higher quality audio during their calls, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction. The improved audio quality also allows for more effective forward error correction strategies, further enhancing the call quality in packet loss scenarios. Overall, the implementation of the MLow codec has greatly enhanced the user experience on Instagram and Messenger, especially for users with less capable devices or poor network connections.
What is the primary function of the Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec developed by Meta?
The primary function of the Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec developed by Meta is to improve audio quality, especially for those on slow-speed connections, while keeping the computational complexity lower than that of Opus. MLow achieves two-times-better quality than Opus (POLQA MOS 1.89 vs 3.9 @ 6kbps WB) and is designed to deliver high-quality audio at the lowest bitrates, benefiting users with low-end devices and those in areas with poor network connections.
How does the MLow codec perform in comparison to the Opus codec at low bitrates, according to the POLQA MOS scores provided?
According to the POLQA MOS scores provided, the MLow codec performs significantly better than the Opus codec at low bitrates. At 6kbps WideBand (WB), MLow achieves a POLQA MOS score of 3.9, while Opus achieves a score of 1.89. This indicates that MLow provides twice the quality of Opus at the same bitrate. Furthermore, MLow saturates quality faster than Opus at the lowest bitrates, as seen in the MOS plot comparing the two codecs.