Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark has ushered in a new era of telecommunications with the demonstration of groundbreaking technology dubbed “immersive audio and video,” offering a three-dimensional sound experience that promises to transform voice calls. Presenting a vision of the future, Lundmark, who has a storied history with Nokia dating back to the dawn of mobile communication, expressed confidence in the technology’s potential to redefine how we connect.
Addressing the limitations of current smartphone calls, which often lack depth and detail due to monophonic audio compression, Nokia’s innovation promises to deliver lifelike interactions, akin to being physically present with the other party. This leap in audio fidelity represents the most significant advancement in live voice calling since the advent of smartphone audio technology, according to Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies.
The recent demonstration involved a call between Lundmark and Stefan Lindström, Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalisation and New Technologies, showcasing the technology’s capabilities over a public 5G network. With plans to standardize the technology across network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset makers, Nokia is poised to revolutionize the way we communicate.
Beyond enhancing person-to-person calls, Nokia’s immersive audio technology holds promise for revolutionizing conference calls as well. By spatially separating participants’ voices based on their locations, the technology promises to enhance clarity and engagement in group conversations.
Jyri Huopaniemi, Head of Audio Research at Nokia Technologies, highlighted the widespread compatibility of the technology, leveraging the multiple microphones found in the majority of smartphones. This seamless integration ensures that Nokia’s innovation can be readily implemented across devices.
Looking ahead, Nokia aims to capitalize on the upcoming 5G Advanced standard, positioning itself for licensing opportunities that could see widespread adoption of the immersive audio and video technology in the coming years. As the telecommunications landscape evolves, Nokia remains at the forefront of innovation, reshaping the future of voice communication.
