In order to improve the quality of calls and avoid network saturation, Google has created an audio compression algorithm with which you benefit from a reduction of up to 60% in bandwidth, always according to the company. The codec where this algorithm is used is Lyra, it is ready to serve low speed networks and is already being tested on Google Duo.
Communications via video calling apps are a constant these days due to the coronavirus pandemic. This type of application has seen its use increase significantly, both personally and professionally. Now alright calls and video calls face a big problem: network saturation. Compression algorithms are key to preventing this, like the one Google introduced for audio: Lyra.
3 Kbps bit rate, high audio quality and 60% bandwidth saving
Comparison of Lyra to Opus in terms of compression and audio advice. Google Image Lyra aspires to compete in the segment of algorithms used by conferencing applications. It is an audio compression codec that competes directly with Opus, most used in WebRTC based communications (Those used by most VoIP programs. Lyra is designed to operate at a very low bit rate, 3 Kbps (for comparison, Opus is generally not used below 8 Kbps because the output audio quality is not not optimal).
Calls between devices using the VoIP protocol consume a lot of data because, in order to maintain decent audio quality, applications use high bit rate compression codecs (If the network is stable, 32 Kbps is generally used). Google is aiming to change that with Lyra, a compression algorithm that was trained by AI in 70 different languages.
Lyra compresses audio to 3 Kbps while maintaining optimal sound quality (You can check out various audio samples on this Google page). Lyra can be used successfully in networks with very limited bandwidth, both due to congestion and infrastructure. Google ensures that its codec is indicated to carry the high quality VoIP calls to countries where mobile networks do not have enough capacity or speed.
Lyra encoding and decoding scheme Google is integrating its new codec into the Duo video calling app. This ensures the best audio quality even with low speed connections; achievement, rebound, one less data usage during calls.
More information | Google
