Espoo, Finland – Nokia, in collaboration with Vodafone and RingCentral, will unveil Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. This groundbreaking technology, part of 5G Advanced, promises to revolutionize voice communication by delivering natural, three-dimensional sound experiences, even for remote calls.
Transforming Voice Communication
IVAS enhances traditional voice services with spatial audio, making conversations lifelike and immersive. Applications range from business meetings and industrial operations to education, sports, and everyday mobile calls. The technology leverages the Metadata-Assisted Spatial Audio (MASA) format, designed for devices like smartphones, and integrates a built-in renderer for head-tracked binaural audio and multi-loudspeaker playback.
Key Benefits of IVAS
- Multi-stream teleconferencing: Enables seamless audio for complex meetings, with spatially distinct voices and inclusive soundscapes that make remote participants feel “in the room.”
- Immersive 1-to-1 calling: Offers 360° audio for richer, more engaging interactions, with head-tracking for accurate directional sound.
- Enhanced industrial access: Improves communication in noisy environments like factories and construction sites, while aiding remote servicing and critical operations.
Industry Collaboration
Developed by 13 companies and included in the 3GPP Release 18 standard, IVAS builds on the widely used Enhanced Voice Services (EVS). Nokia, Vodafone, and RingCentral are committed to expanding the IVAS ecosystem, delivering impactful audio experiences across communication platforms.
Experience IVAS at MWC 2025
Visitors can explore IVAS concepts at the Vodafone (Hall 3 Stand 3E11), Nokia (Hall 3 Stand 3B20), and RingCentral (Executive Meeting Room 12Ex, Hall 7E) booths from March 3-6, 2025.
Quotes
- Jyri Huopaniemi, Nokia Technologies: “IVAS brings new use cases to life, delivering immersive audio experiences across platforms.”
- Nadia Benabdallah, Vodafone: “Immersive voice technology enhances business meetings, industrial operations, and everyday calls.”
- Homayoun Razavi, RingCentral: “IVAS restores the power of voice, promoting inclusivity and unlocking AI-enhanced collaboration.”
Source: Business Insider
