Samsung and Google team Up to Challenge Dolby Atmos with Eclipsa Audio
Get ready for a potential shakeup in the world of 3D audio. Samsung and Google are poised to launch Eclipsa Audio, a new spatial audio format aiming to rival the industry-leading Dolby Atmos. This enterprising project,a collaboration announced in 2023,promises a high-quality,immersive 3D audio experience at a more accessible price point.
according to a report in The Verge on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, Eclipsa Audio is slated to debut on YouTube videos later this year, with broader availability on Samsung TVs and soundbars in 2025. This strategic rollout suggests a meaningful push to quickly establish market presence.
Samsung’s history of developing its own technologies instead of relying on competitors is well-known. While Dolby vision HDR dominates many Android and Google TVs, Samsung has championed its own HDR10+ technology. This approach now extends to the audio realm, with Eclipsa Audio positioned as a compelling alternative to Dolby Atmos.
Eclipsa Audio, initially known as Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), leverages a unique approach. “This format will provide an open source framework for 3D audio, from creation to playback,” explained Samsung’s Head of Spatial Audio, woohyun Nam, at the initial announcement. This commitment to open-source development is a key differentiator.
The IAMF specification has already received the backing of the Alliance for Open media, a group that includes tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix.This broad industry support significantly increases the potential for Eclipsa Audio’s widespread adoption.
To ensure consistent audio quality across devices, Samsung and Google have partnered with the Telecommunications Technology Association to create a certification program. This proactive measure underscores their commitment to delivering a premium user experience.
The official unveiling of Eclipsa Audio is highly anticipated at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), taking place next week. The arrival of this new technology presents a significant challenge to Dolby Atmos’ dominance in the 3D audio market, promising a more competitive landscape for consumers.
Samsung explains that Eclipsa Audio enhances the listening experience by dynamically adjusting sound intensity and incorporating spatial reflection elements to create a more immersive 3D soundscape. This innovative approach could redefine how we experience audio in the years to come.
Samsung and Google Team Up: could Eclipsa audio Challenge Dolby Atmos?
Today we have the pleasure of speaking with audio technology expert, Emily Carter, about the groundbreaking new spatial audio format: Eclipsa Audio, developed by Samsung and Google.
Senior Editor (SE): Emily, the declaration of Eclipsa Audio has sent ripples through the tech world. What can our readers expect from this new audio format?
Emily Carter (EC): Well, Eclipsa audio is poised to be a direct competitor to Dolby Atmos, the current leading standard in 3D audio. samsung and Google are aiming to deliver a high-quality, immersive experience but at a more accessible price point. This opens up the world of 3D audio to a wider audience, which is exciting!
SE: That’s certainly a bold move. Can you elaborate on what makes Eclipsa Audio different?
EC: One key differentiator is that Eclipsa audio is built upon an open-source framework. This means developers and manufacturers can more freely integrate it into their products. Think about it: this fosters innovation and could lead to a more diverse range of Eclipsa Audio-enabled devices.
SE: Open-source certainly has a lot of potential advantages. We’ve seen this paradigm shift in other technological domains.How is Eclipsa Audio being received by the industry?
EC: The response has been vrey positive.big players like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix have already backed the IAMF specification, the technical basis for Eclipsa Audio. This kind of widespread support is crucial for its adoption.
SE: It seems like Samsung and Google are pulling out all the stops. What about the rollout strategy? When can consumers expect to experience Eclipsa Audio?
EC: The official launch will be at CES next week, with Eclipsa Audio appearing on YouTube later this year. Samsung TVs and soundbars are slated to integrate it in 2025. This phased approach suggests they’re aiming for a controlled, yet rapid growth.
SE: this is certainly a fascinating development in the audio world. Thank you for sharing your insights,Emily.are there any final thoughts you’d like to leave our readers with?
EC: Absolutely! I think Eclipsa Audio has the potential to revolutionize how we experience sound. It’s about making 3D audio more accessible and encouraging further innovation in the field. I, for one, am excited to see what the future holds!
