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 content 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.

Samsung and Google are collaborating with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to establish a certification program, ensuring high-quality audio standards across compatible devices.

Key features of Eclipsa Audio:

• Open-source framework for 3D audio
• No licensing fees (unlike Dolby)
• Complete solution from creation to playback
• Integrated into YouTube's platform

Currently, Eclipsa Audio compatibility is limited to newer Samsung TVs and sound bars. While this restriction may initially limit widespread adoption among content creators, both companies remain optimistic about the technology's potential to transform audio experiences.

According to Jim Bankoski, Google Chrome's VP of Engineering, "We believe that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to change the way we experience sound." Similarly, Samsung's Executive VP Taeyong Son emphasizes that this innovation "opens new possibilities for immersive audio experiences."

The success of this new audio format will largely depend on broader industry adoption beyond YouTube and Samsung devices in the coming years.

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