Samsung and Google Team Up to Challenge Dolby Atmos with a New Spatial Audio Format

Samsung and Google are taking on Dolby Atmos with a bold new spatial audio format called Eclipsa Audio, set to debut later this year. This innovative technology promises to transform how we experience 3D audio, starting with YouTube videos and expanding to Samsung’s 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars.

The partnership between these two tech giants reflects their shared vision of creating an open-source standard that rivals Dolby Atmos, the current leader in 3D audio. With Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google aim to provide immersive, lifelike sound without the licensing fees that Dolby Atmos demands from hardware manufacturers.

Eclipsa Audio represents a continuation of Samsung’s commitment to open standards, much like its preference for HDR10 Plus over Dolby Vision HDR. This approach not only gives manufacturers greater flexibility but also promotes a competitive and collaborative ecosystem for technology development.

The journey to Eclipsa Audio began in 2023 when Samsung and Google announced their partnership to develop a spatial audio technology initially called Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). The goal was clear: to create a fully open-source framework for 3D audio that could handle everything from content creation to delivery and playback. According to WooHyun Nam, Samsung’s head of spatial audio, this format would democratize access to high-quality 3D audio by eliminating barriers like proprietary restrictions and licensing costs.

One of the most compelling aspects of Eclipsa Audio is its adoption by the Alliance for Open Media, a coalition of tech heavyweights including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, and Samsung. This group has been a driving force behind royalty-free codecs, such as AV1, which have steadily gained traction in the industry. With such influential backing, Eclipsa Audio has the potential to become a widely supported standard, benefiting not only manufacturers but also content creators and consumers.

Eclipsa Audio’s capabilities rival those of Dolby Atmos, offering precise control over the location, intensity, and spatial reflections of sounds to create a fully immersive 3D experience. By leveraging open-source principles, the format provides a cost-effective alternative for hardware makers and a seamless experience for users.

To ensure consistent quality across devices, Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association to develop a certification program. This initiative is reminiscent of how companies like Dolby and THX maintain high standards for their technologies. Certification will ensure that devices using Eclipsa Audio deliver the intended level of performance, fostering trust among both manufacturers and consumers.

While the technology is promising, adoption may take time. Open-source formats often face challenges in gaining widespread acceptance, as seen with the AV1 video codec, which took years to achieve significant usage. However, the combined influence of Samsung, Google, and the Alliance for Open Media could accelerate the adoption of Eclipsa Audio, especially if major players in the industry choose to support it.

The announcement of Eclipsa Audio comes just ahead of CES 2025, where more details are expected to be revealed. This timing underscores Samsung and Google’s intent to position their new format as a game-changer in the world of 3D audio.

If successful, Eclipsa Audio could redefine how we experience sound in our homes, challenging proprietary formats like Dolby Atmos and paving the way for a more open, inclusive audio ecosystem. For now, all eyes are on CES 2025, where the future of 3D audio will begin to take shape.