**Fraunhofer IIS** (Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits) is part of the Fraunhofer Society, one of Europe's largest research organizations. Fraunhofer IIS is particularly well-known for its pioneering work in **audio and media technologies**—notably the development of the MP3 format and its continued innovation with audio codecs like **AAC**, **MPEG-H**, and the more recent **LC3/LC3plus**, which is set to revolutionize wireless communication standards with high audio quality at lower bitrates. ### Recent Projects and Innovations Fraunhofer IIS has been involved in several cutting-edge projects recently: 1. **JPEG XS SDK 5.0**: One of the key projects is the **JPEG XS image coding**, a lightweight, low-latency codec ideal for video over IP and high-resolution broadcasting. The **JPEG XS SDK 5.0** offers a significant improvement in encoding and decoding speed (25% faster), making it suitable for professional broadcasting and video production environments【32†source】. 2. **LC3/LC3plus**: Fraunhofer IIS also focuses on **low-complexity communication** codecs, particularly the **LC3/LC3plus**, which enhances the quality of wireless audio transmissions (e.g., in Bluetooth and VoIP) by maintaining high audio quality even at low bitrates【33†source】. 3. **MPEG-H Audio**: Fraunhofer IIS's **MPEG-H Audio** technology continues to be a global leader in immersive and interactive sound for broadcast applications. It has been adopted for **Brazil’s TV 3.0 broadcast standard**, providing a more engaging viewing experience by allowing users to control audio elements like commentary and soundtracks【31†source】【35†source】. 4. **5G and IoT**: The institute is also contributing to the **5G/6G** communication standards, especially with technologies that improve **precise positioning** using **ultra-wideband** (UWB), Bluetooth, and other radio signals【34†source】. These projects show Fraunhofer IIS's broad impact across audio-visual technology, media broadcasting, and communication systems, reinforcing its status as a leader in both industry standards and technological innovation. ### VR projects Fraunhofer IIS is actively engaged in **VR-related projects**, with a strong focus on immersive audio and video technologies that enhance virtual reality experiences. 1. **MPEG-H Audio in VR**: One of the key projects related to VR is the integration of **MPEG-H Audio** technology into VR systems. MPEG-H Audio provides **3D spatial audio**, allowing for an immersive sound experience that can dynamically adapt to the user’s movements in a virtual environment. For example, this technology has been used in next-generation **VR cameras** to enhance the auditory experience of virtual environments by placing sound sources in 3D space around the user【33†source】【34†source】. 2. **upHear Spatial Audio Technology**: Fraunhofer IIS also developed **upHear**, a spatial audio technology that improves sound positioning and clarity in virtual environments. This technology has been integrated into VR systems to create more realistic audio experiences, allowing users to hear sounds from different directions depending on where they are looking or moving【32†source】. 3. **HolodeckVR**: In previous years, Fraunhofer IIS participated in the development of **HolodeckVR**, a project designed to push the boundaries of virtual reality by providing a large-scale, multi-user VR experience. This platform combines high-quality visual and spatial audio technologies to create highly immersive environments for both entertainment and professional training【31†source】【35†source】. These projects showcase Fraunhofer IIS's ongoing commitment to developing technologies that make VR more immersive, particularly through advanced audio solutions that complement visual immersion.