Samsung and Google reveal Eclipsa Audio, coming to your next Samsung device

In anticipation CES 2025Samsung announced that its 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars will use Eclipsa Audio, a 3D audio technology developed in collaboration with Google.

Eclipsa Audio allows creators to customize audio data, such as the location and intensity of sounds and spatial reflections, to create immersive 3D audio. Samsung will integrate Eclipsa Audio into its 2025 TV lineup, ranging from the Crystal UHD series to its premium flagship Neo QLED 8K models, giving consumers more choice when purchasing their next TV.

If you’re wondering what Eclipsa Audio is, it’s generally considered to be a competitor to Dolby Atmos. Samsung and Google developed it within the framework of the Open Media Alliance’s immersive audio model and formats (IAMF). IAMF enables creators and platforms to deliver high-quality, immersive audio with efficient encoding and flexible rendering that adapts to different playback environments such as headphones, multi-speaker systems, and virtual reality systems. It’s codec agnostic, so it fits perfectly with the theme of democratizing 3D audio for both consumers and creators.

Replay support is one side of the coin; the other is creating and distributing relevant content. To that end, Samsung says creators will be able to upload videos featuring Eclipsa Audio tracks to YouTube sometime this year. Viewers with 2025 Samsung devices will be able to watch YouTube videos with premium spatial audio when it becomes available. Samsung doesn’t mention more details, but the use of the word “Samsung devices” indicates that the company may have plans to expand Eclipsa Audio beyond just TVs and soundbars, perhaps into future flagships such as Galaxy S25 Series. However, we have not heard any rumors in this regard.

Google and Samsung are also working with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to create a certification program for devices capable of playing Eclipsa Audio.

Overall, Eclipsa Audio has the potential to democratize the spatial audio space and dethrone favorites like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but a lot depends on the available content and supported devices. Samsung and Google are doing their best in both cases, so we’re cautiously optimistic.