RCS messaging just got a major sound upgrade. With the release of GSMA’s Universal Profile 4.0, the xHE-AAC audio codec extends its reach beyond simple audio messages to enable high-quality media sharing – setting the stage for richer music, advertising, and multimedia experiences in mobile messaging.
Originally introduced as a mandatory audio codec in GSMA’s Universal Profile 3.1, xHE-AAC ensures crystal-clear voice quality, even at very low bit rates – a crucial advantage for global communication networks. With xHE-AAC now becoming part of the Universal Profile 4.0, the codec enables a new experience: High-Quality Media Sharing. xHE-AAC is no longer limited to speech but can handle a wide range of audio content, including music snippets, audio previews, ads, podcast clips, and rich media campaigns – all with the same outstanding quality.
These capabilities are particularly useful for the new Rich Communication Services (RCS) set to become the next-generation successor to Short Message Services (SMS), reaching billions of users worldwide. By adopting xHE-AAC for high-quality media sharing, GSMA’s UP 4.0 enables users to enjoy premium audio experiences directly within their native messaging apps – without draining data or sacrificing performance. For brands and advertisers, this evolution opens the door to richer customer engagement opportunities that bring campaigns to life right where customers are most active. For mobile operators, it provides a universal, efficient solution to compete with third-party services while maintaining network reliability.
Developed primarily by Fraunhofer IIS, xHE-AAC offers a unique combination of efficiency and excellence that makes it ideal for modern mobile messaging. It combines lifelike speech clarity with superb audio fidelity at low bit rates, saving data without compromising sound. Its design ensures consistent performance across all types of audio, whether it’s voice, music, or mixed content, making it a truly universal solution for communication platforms.
Come and explore these innovations at MWC Barcelona (2-5 March) to discover how Fraunhofer audio technologies continue to shape the future of communication.
Visit us at Booth CS64.