Samsung and Google are poised to shake up the audio technology landscape with the introduction of Eclipsa Audio, a new spatial audio format designed to provide immersive 3D sound experiences. The format, which will be supported by Samsung's 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars, is set to rival Dolby Atmos, the dominant 3D audio format currently used in the industry.

The Eclipsa Audio format, which was first announced in 2023 as the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), is an open-source technology that allows for the creation and playback of 3D audio content. According to Samsung, the format supports adjusting "audio data such as the location and intensity of sounds, along with spatial reflections" to create a more immersive audio experience.

The partnership between Samsung and Google marks a significant shift in the audio technology landscape, as it provides a free alternative to Dolby Atmos, which hardware manufacturers like Samsung currently pay to license for use in their devices. The move could potentially disrupt the dominance of Dolby Atmos in the industry, especially if other major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix, who are also members of the Alliance for Open Media, decide to adopt the Eclipsa Audio format.

The Alliance for Open Media, a group that has been pushing for royalty-free codec support since 2015, has already adopted the IAMF spec, which could help to accelerate the adoption of Eclipsa Audio. Additionally, Samsung and Google are creating a certification program with the Telecommunications Technology Association to ensure consistent audio quality across devices using the format, similar to the way companies like Dolby and THX manage the labeling for their specs.

The implications of Eclipsa Audio are far-reaching, with the potential to revolutionize the way we experience audio in various settings, from home entertainment to virtual reality. As the format gains traction, we can expect to see more devices and platforms supporting Eclipsa Audio, potentially leading to a new era of immersive audio experiences.

With CES 2025 just around the corner, we can expect to hear more about Eclipsa Audio and its potential impact on the industry. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it compares to Dolby Atmos and whether it can gain widespread adoption among consumers and manufacturers alike.

In conclusion, the introduction of Eclipsa Audio marks a significant development in the audio technology landscape, with the potential to disrupt the dominance of Dolby Atmos and provide a new era of immersive audio experiences. As the format continues to evolve and gain traction, it will be exciting to see how it shapes the future of audio technology.