Singtel, Optus and Ericsson have successfully made the world’s first ever Augmented Reality 5G video call between Singapore and Australia thanks to OPPO 5G test devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G modems.
Singtel and Optus engineers demonstrated the use of Augmented Reality (AR) on a real-time 5G video call using Ericsson’s networks, with the engineers able to exchange views on their respective live 5G sites.
.
Optus has said that this new AR technology via 5G will bring more inclusive form of communication whilst also opening up new possibilities for enterprises, ranging from mobile collaboration between experts in different locations, on-the-job training to remote assistance. This can include the ability for users to have a more immersive gaming experience, virtual tactile shopping and holographic calls.
Mr Allen Lew, CEO, Optus has said about the 5G test that:
“Once again Optus has proven our 5G agility, working collaboratively with our colleagues in Singapore to successfully land a ground-breaking 5G inter-country AR video call. Just last month we achieved another first, with the launch of our plans for our 5G Home Broadband product for Australian consumers and today’s announcement is another step in our commitment to lead 5G delivery in Australia.”
Group Chief Technology Officer for Singtel, Mr Mark Chong has said:
“This call is a significant marker in our journey to 5G as we develop a robust 5G ecosystem to ensure that our enterprise and consumer customers will enjoy an enhanced connectivity experience. 5G is a key enabler that will bring the future of AR, Autonomous Vehicles and Smart Cities closer to reality.”
Meanwhile, President of OPPO APAC, Mr Peter Huang, has said:
“Once again, OPPO has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in a smartphone. The call is another 5G first for OPPO, and demonstrates our commitment to become one of, if not the first manufacturer to commercialise a 5G smartphone.
We’ve been preparing for 5G technology for a number of years and have committed RMB10 billion this year alone in R&D investment as we usher in our 5G future. We’re excited about what the next evolution of the mobile network will bring.”
Optus and Ericsson are partnering to build 50 new 5G network sites and conduct critical interoperability device testing, with 5G sites already turned on in some areas of the country in major capital cities, with more to come online as Optus rolls out its 5G technology in 2019.
