Telefónica, Ericsson and Matsuko integrate holographic calls into smartphones

The introduction of holographic calls directly on mobile phones made by Telefónica, Ericsson y Matsuko will allow users to use IMS Data Channel communication technology easily, no need for additional apps.

The complex proof of concept (PoC) executed in collaboration by Telefónica, Ericsson and Matsuko has successfully demonstrated that it is possible display holographic calls on a smartphone dialer, compatible with the IMS technology (IP Multimedia Subsystem) Data Channel, standards based.

Thanks to it, This innovative test has managed to show the potential of IMS Data Channel to revolutionize the future 5G and 6G voice services with innovative applications, including holographic communication.

The future of voice services

IMS Data Channel technology enhances existing IMS voice networks, so mobile operators can offer evolved services to millions of users. For this, Take advantage of the inherent strengths of telephone networks, as quality of service, reliability, seamless mobility and safety, while introducing new capabilities for interactive and immersive communication.

From 2021, Telefónica has been innovating in the possibilities of IMS Data Channel technology, running several proofs of concept with partners such as Ericsson and Matsuko, in order to demonstrate its viability and potential for integration into commercial services, especially on 5G smartphones.

Holographic communication without additional applications

The recent proof of concept carried out by these companies focuses on the development and testing of holographic communication services, as part of the european project 6G-XR to make it a reality.

The successful outcome of this PoC has shown that it is possible to make holographic calls using devices from the series Samsung Galaxy S IMS Data Channel compatible.

The face and torso of the caller are captured and transmitted as a hologram in real time to the receiver. In this PoC, Each participating company plays a crucial role:

Telefónica: coordination of PoC activities, being ultimately responsible for the provision of the service.

Ericsson: provides the IMS infrastructure and services to make holographic communication a reality.

Matsuko: provides holographic technology and applications for capturing and displaying.

The proof of concept has achieved several significant milestones. On the one hand, demonstrates the one-way hologram transmission (from the sender to the viewing user), con two-way audio between both, using IMS infrastructure.

On the other, Holographic service integrates seamlessly into native smartphone dialer, no need for additional apps. Besides, Matsuko's advanced holographic service processes and reconstructs hologram data in the cloud ensuring high-quality performance.

Working to define standards

The PoC also faced a series of straight. The current 3GPP specifications do not have all the standards that define the interfaces of IMS Data Channel technology with third-party servers, which makes further implementation difficult.

They were also detected bandwidth and payload limitations (payload) for higher resolution holograms, highlighting the need to improve segmentation and reassemble data for better performance. In addition, get one perfect synchronization between audio and holographic video remains a technical challenge.

As a future strategy, companies are committed to improving user experience and quality of holographic services. The objective is to improve the interface, with functions such as integration of fondos RGB, 3D controls and a precise gestural manipulation of holograms.

Besides, These companies intend to continue improving the overall quality of holograms and explore the implementation of two-way calling. The teams are also working on defining the standards and interfaces necessary to support the widespread adoption of IMS Data Channel technology so that it can be used effectively in future applications..

“We are delighted with the progress made in demonstrating the capabilities of IMS Data Channel for innovative applications, like holographic communication - he states Cayetano Carbajo Martin, core and transport director of GCTIO at Telefónica-. This technology holds immense potential to transform the way we connect and communicate., taking advantage of a widely extended IMS network that is already used by millions of customers”.

To Matus Kirchmayer, co-founder and CTO of Matsuko, “in this world of interconnected experiences, IMS Data Channel technology propels us towards a future where holographic calling is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. “We are proud of the progress we have made and excited about what lies ahead.”.

For your part, Jon Illana, responsable de solution line communication services, UDM & exposure de Ericsson, He adds that “this advance really demonstrates how we will be able to experience everyday communication in the future.”. The work done in this collaboration is an essential element to boost the entire industry, and we are looking forward to maintaining cooperation, success and innovation as we explore and fully exploit the capabilities of IMS Data Channel”.

This complex research has been carried out in the context of the Horizon Europe 6G-XR project and the joint initiative 6G Smart Networks and Services (SNS),