Samsung and Google Innovate with New Spatial Audio Format Eclipsa Audio

Samsung and Google's Eclipsa Audio: A New Era in 3D Audio Technology

In a groundbreaking announcement, Samsung and Google are collaborating to introduce a new audio format known as Eclipsa Audio. This innovative format aims to revolutionize 3D audio experiences on platforms like YouTube, set to launch later this year. The support for Eclipsa Audio will be integrated into Samsung’s 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars, allowing users to enjoy immersive audio like never before.

The Shift Toward Open-Source 3D Audio

Over the years, Samsung has often bypassed using Dolby Vision HDR for dynamic HDR metadata, favoring its proprietary format, HDR10 Plus. Now, with the introduction of Eclipsa Audio, the company appears to be making a similar move towards open-source audio solutions. This new format could potentially serve as a cost-effective alternative to Dolby Atmos, which is currently the leading 3D audio format that hardware manufacturers, including Samsung, typically license for their devices.

What is Eclipsa Audio?

Eclipsa Audio is designed to enhance audio experiences by enabling adjustments to audio data, such as the location, intensity of sounds, and spatial reflections. This creates a truly immersive 3D audio experience for users, similar to what Dolby Atmos offers. Samsung’s WooHyun Nam described the initial goals of the project, emphasizing its aim to provide “a complete open-source framework for 3D audio, from creation to delivery and playback.”

The Partnership and Industry Support

The partnership between Samsung and Google, first announced in 2023 under the name Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), has garnered attention from various industry leaders. The IAMF specification has been endorsed by the Alliance for Open Media, a collective advocating for royalty-free codec support, which includes major companies like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix. These alliances suggest a strong potential for Eclipsa Audio to gain traction in the market, although the adoption of similar technologies, such as the AV1 video codec, has historically taken time.

Ensuring Quality: Certification Program

To further solidify the impact of Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google are also collaborating with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to create a certification program. This initiative aims to guarantee consistent audio quality across all devices that utilize the Eclipsa Audio format, echoing the success of existing industry standards set by brands like Dolby and THX.

Looking Ahead

The tech community is buzzing with anticipation as CES 2025 approaches, where more details about Eclipsa Audio are expected to be unveiled. With the rapid evolution of audio technologies and the push towards open-source frameworks, Eclipsa Audio represents a significant step forward in providing consumers with accessible yet high-quality audio experiences.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on the prospect of Eclipsa Audio? Do you think it can compete with established formats like Dolby Atmos? Share your insights in the comments below!