Nokia just made the first phone call using 3D spatial audio
What are the expected benefits of the 5G Advanced network update in relation to speed, energy efficiency, and cellular positioning?
The 5G Advanced network update is expected to bring several benefits, including faster speeds, improved energy efficiency, and more accurate cellular positioning.
Faster Speeds: 5G Advanced promises to deliver even faster data transfer rates than the current 5G networks5. This is due to the introduction of optimizations and the unlocking of additional mid-band frequencies above 6GHz. The latest 3GPP Releases add support for bands between 7GHz and 24GHz, which aligns with 5G Advanced's goal of providing a smooth transition to 6G networks.
Energy Efficiency: 5G Advanced aims to reduce battery drain by allowing devices to enter low-power states when idle. This is achieved through intelligent adjustments of output power or allowing cell towers to sleep when not actively serving devices. This improvement in energy efficiency is expected to enhance the overall user experience and prolong the battery life of devices.
Cellular Positioning: 5G Advanced takes advantage of its multi-antenna approach to enable high-precision finding. This technology can locate devices in real-time with centimeter-level accuracy. This precise positioning capability could pave the way for 5G-A's adoption in logistics, asset management, and other industries that require accurate location data.
Overall, the 5G Advanced network update is expected to deliver a better user experience with faster speeds, improved energy efficiency, and accurate cellular positioning. These enhancements will enable the development of new applications and use cases that can leverage the full potential of 5G technology.
What is the significance of Nokia's achievement in making the first phone call using 3D spatial audio?
Nokia's achievement in making the first phone call using 3D spatial audio is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a major technological breakthrough in the field of telecommunications. Traditional phone calls made over cellular networks are monophonic, meaning they lack the depth and richness of spatial audio. This innovation allows for a more immersive and realistic audio experience during phone calls.
Secondly, this development is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced network upgrade, which will not only enable faster speeds and improved energy efficiency but also more accurate cellular positioning. The integration of the 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec into 5G Advanced networks will potentially revolutionize the way we communicate and consume media over mobile networks.
Lastly, the fact that Nokia, a company with a storied history in the telecommunications industry, made this breakthrough is significant in itself. It showcases the company's continued dedication to innovation and its ability to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
However, it's important to note that the widespread adoption of this technology is not yet guaranteed. Cellular networks need to start offering the service, and smartphones must have at least two microphones to enable spatial audio calls. Despite these potential hurdles, Nokia's achievement is a promising step towards a more immersive and interactive future for mobile communication.
How does the 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec work to enable spatial audio over phone calls?
The 3GPP Immersive Video and Audio Services (IVAS) codec enables spatial audio over phone calls by allowing the transmission of stereo and immersive audio via mobile networks4. It is an extension of the Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) codec and is optimized for the efficient compression of spatial audio2. The IVAS codec supports various audio formats beyond stereo, including multi-channel audio, scene-based audio, metadata-assisted spatial audio (MASA), and object-based audio2.
During a phone call, the IVAS codec captures and conveys an immersive scene to the recipient, allowing for a more realistic audio experience. This is particularly useful in group calls or conferences, as it makes it easier to distinguish between speakers' voices and separate them from ambient sounds, reducing listening effort and fatigue3.
The technology requires at least two microphones in a smartphone to enable spatial audio and is part of the 5G Advanced network upgrade. Once cellular networks start offering the service and adopt the IVAS codec, the "vast majority" of phones should support spatial audio calls.