Samsung and Google have partnered to develop 'Eclipsa Audio', a new 3D sound format designed to compete with Dolby Atmos. The technology will debut in Samsung's 2024 TV and sound bar lineup at CES.

Eclipsa Audio enables creators to manipulate audio data, including sound location, intensity, and spatial reflections, creating an immersive three-dimensional audio experience. YouTube will be the first platform to support this format, allowing creators to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks starting this year.

The technology represents an open-source framework for 3D audio that eliminates Dolby's licensing fees. Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to establish a certification program, ensuring high-quality audio standards across compatible devices.

Key features of Eclipsa Audio:

• Dynamic, immersive audio capabilities
• YouTube integration
• Open-source framework
• No licensing fees
• Device certification program

Currently, Eclipsa Audio compatibility is limited to newer Samsung TVs and sound bars. While Google's VP of Engineering Jim Bankoski expresses optimism about the format's potential, widespread adoption among content creators may take time due to limited device compatibility.

The partnership between Samsung and Google for this technology began in 2023 with the introduction of Immersive Audio Model and Formats, marking their first step toward creating a competitive alternative to Dolby Atmos in the spatial audio market.

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