MLow: Meta's low bitrate audio codec (engineering.fb.com)

Article summary

Meta has developed a new audio codec called MLow, which provides high-quality audio at low bitrates, making it suitable for use in areas with slow internet connections. The codec is designed to improve the audio quality of real-time communication applications, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, and has already been rolled out to some users. MLow achieves better quality than the existing Opus codec at low bitrates, while also having lower computational complexity. This makes it accessible to a wider range of devices, including lower-end smartphones.

Main themes

• Audio codec development
• Low-bitrate audio compression
• Real-time communication
• Internet connectivity
• Mobile device accessibility

What commenters say

• The development of MLow is a significant improvement over existing audio codecs, providing better quality at low bitrates.
• There are many situations where a 10kbps connection can be stable and usable, particularly in areas with limited internet infrastructure.
• The need for low-bitrate audio codecs is not limited to developing countries, as there are also use cases in the Western world where low-bandwidth connections are common.
• The benefits of MLow extend beyond individual users, as it can also help reduce the costs of data transmission for companies like Meta, particularly in regions with limited internet infrastructure.
• Some argue that the focus on low-bitrate codecs is misguided, as it may not be the most effective solution for improving audio quality in all scenarios.
• The development of MLow highlights the importance of considering the diverse needs of users with varying levels of internet connectivity and device capabilities.
• The comparison between MLow and Opus is not entirely fair, as Opus has different strengths and weaknesses that may make it more suitable for certain use cases.
• The rollout of MLow has the potential to significantly improve the user experience for millions of people around the world, particularly in areas with limited internet access.