Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark Makes the First 'Immersive' Phone Call

Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark has taken a significant step into the future of telecommunications by making a phone call using a groundbreaking technology known as “immersive audio and video.” This innovation, which enhances call quality with three-dimensional sound, was announced by Nokia on Monday, June 10.

“We have demonstrated the future of voice calls,” stated Lundmark, who notably was present in the room when the first 2G call was made back in 1991. Traditional smartphone calls are typically monophonic, compressing audio elements together, resulting in flatter and less detailed sound. In contrast, the new technology offers 3D audio, enabling callers to perceive sounds as if they were physically present with the other person.

Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies, emphasized the significance of this advancement, calling it “the biggest leap forward in the live voice calling experience since the introduction of monophonic telephony audio used in smartphones and PCs today.” The immersive audio technology transforms the way users experience voice calls, providing a more lifelike and engaging interaction.

The inaugural call was made to Stefan Lindström, Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalisation and New Technologies. In a follow-up interview, Lukander elaborated on the implications of this technology, stating, “This is now becoming standardized ... so the network providers, chipset manufacturers, handset manufacturers can begin to implement it in their products.” This standardization is expected to facilitate widespread adoption, allowing various stakeholders in the telecommunications industry to integrate immersive audio into their offerings.

The new technology does not merely enhance sound quality; it redefines the entire calling experience. By delivering 3D audio, it ensures that callers can hear every nuance of the conversation as though they were in the same room. This development is poised to revolutionize the telecommunications industry, marking a departure from the limitations of monophonic sound.

Nokia's introduction of this immersive audio and video technology represents a strategic move to stay at the forefront of innovation in telecommunications. Lundmark and his team are actively working to make this technology accessible to a broader audience, leveraging Nokia's extensive expertise and history of pioneering advancements in the field. Given Lundmark's prior experience with transformative technologies, his leadership is expected to drive the successful implementation and adoption of immersive audio.

As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, Nokia's latest innovation is likely to set a new standard for voice communication. The shift from monophonic to 3D audio is anticipated to enhance user experiences significantly, particularly during extended conversations. By providing a more natural and realistic way for people to connect, this technology has the potential to become a cornerstone of future voice communication.

In summary, the first ‘immersive’ phone call made by Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark signals a new era in telecommunications. This pioneering technology promises to revolutionize the way we perceive and engage in voice communication, setting the stage for a future where 3D audio becomes the norm. As Nokia leads the charge, other industry players are expected to follow suit, integrating this innovative technology into their products and services, ultimately benefiting users worldwide with enhanced and more authentic voice interactions.