Nokia has revolutionized voice calls by completing the world’s first call using 3D spatial sound, a breakthrough achieved with the new 3GPP Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec. This technology introduces a 3D-like auditory experience far surpassing the traditional monophonic sound used in current smartphone and PC calls.
The IVAS codec supports stereo and binaural audio, necessitating at least two microphones—a feature common in most modern smartphones. This advancement allows users to perceive sounds in a more immersive, spatial manner. Nokia’s test call, conducted between the company’s CEO and a Finnish ambassador, demonstrated the real-time application of this technology over a genuine cell network.
Nokia’s CEO, Pekka Lundmark, highlighted the potential of this technology to transform voice and video calls, offering a significantly enhanced listening experience that mimics being in the caller’s environment. The IVAS codec also promises to elevate augmented reality and VR experiences, making digital interactions feel more lifelike.
While IVAS is not yet implemented in mobile networks, it is expected to be included in the forthcoming 5G-Advanced standard, or 5.5G, with full specifications likely to be finalized by the end of 2025. This development will enable network providers, chipset makers, and handset manufacturers to integrate the technology into their products, paving the way for a new era in communication.
