We mentioned a while back that Orange were trialling HD quality voice calls, and it would seem that the trial has been successful, as Orange are now launching the system network wide.
For a call to be completed in HD quality, both ends of the call need compatible equipment, so it isn't going to make a difference if you happen to be calling a landline. Also, there are currently only two compatible HD voice handsets available on the Orange network, the Nokia E5 and Samsung Omnia Pro 5230, although it is expected that more handsets will be launched in the coming months. Although Apple have already stated they will not be supporting HD Voice, other manufacturers are expected to, so there should be a fair selection of handsets to choose from.
Vice President of Business at Everything Everywhere, the company now running Orange, Martin Stiven said: “HD Voice is going to change the way businesses are able to communicate through our mobiles from conducting calls in places that were not previously possible to the ability to hear emotion in people's voices. People are going to love the clarity of calls and the lack of background noise. Once you've used it, you will want to keep it.”
