Samsung and Google have unveiled “Eclipsa Audio,” a new spatial audio format designed to challenge Dolby Atmos in the immersive sound arena. This technology was showcased at CES 2025 and will be integrated into Samsung’s entire 2025 TV and soundbar lineup, from budget Crystal UHD series to flagship Neo QLED 8K models.
Eclipsa Audio allows creators to adjust parameters such as the location and intensity of sounds, along with spatial reflections, to create a three-dimensional sound experience. The format has been in development since 2023, when it was initially announced under the name “Immersive Audio Model and Formats” (IAMF).
“We are proud to lead the industry with the integration of Eclipsa Audio into our 2025 TV and soundbar lineup,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “This innovation opens new possibilities for immersive audio experiences and reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of home entertainment”.
A key advantage of Eclipsa Audio is its open-source framework, which eliminates the licensing fee model that Dolby uses for Atmos. This could lead to wider adoption across the industry as manufacturers and content creators can implement the technology without additional costs.
The partnership extends beyond hardware into content creation. Beginning in 2025, YouTube creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks to the platform, potentially bringing spatial audio to millions of users without requiring premium subscriptions or specialized hardware.
“We believe that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to change the way we experience sound,” said Jim Bankoski from Google Chrome.
To ensure quality implementation, Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association to develop a certification program for Eclipsa Audio. This program aims to establish consistent audio standards across all devices supporting the format.
This announcement builds on Samsung’s previous audio innovations for its mobile ecosystem. In 2021, the company launched the “Listen Tab” on Samsung Free, providing Galaxy device owners with access to podcasts and audio content without requiring additional app downloads.
The Eclipsa Audio initiative represents a significant move in the audio technology landscape, potentially democratizing access to immersive sound experiences that have typically been available only through licensed, premium audio formats like Dolby Atmos.