Eclipsa Audio: Samsung and Google’s descent on Dolby Atmos

When Samsung and Google join forces, you have to sit up and listen – literally. I wrote about it a year ago, when the two tech giants launched a new, open 3D audio format together to compete with Dolby Atmos: IAMF.

The idea’s still very promising: moving away from licence fees and towards an open platform that aims to succeed through flexibility and simplicity. A year later, the vision is slowly taking shape – under the new name Eclipsa Audio. At CES 2025, Samsung and Google will present the new format which is optimised for YouTube and will be used on the latest Samsung TVs and compatible soundbars.

But can Eclipsa really compete with Dolby Atmos? Let’s take a look into the past and the future.

The origin: IAMF as a foundation

The roots of Eclipsa Audio lie in IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Formats), an open standard introduced in 2023. The aim was to free 3D audio from the constraints of proprietary formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. IAMF made it possible to process spatial sound data in such a way that it could be used on a variety of platforms and devices – without licence fees.

The initiative quickly received support from the Alliance for Open Media, an influential group that includes heavyweights such as Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and Netflix. But while the idea sounded promising, the big question remained: would IAMF ever produce a true product that could compete with established standards?

Eclipsa Audio now has the answers – at least in part.

What is Eclipsa Audio?

Eclipsa Audio is the first tangible realisation of the IAMF vision and is specifically designed to enable 3D audio in YouTube videos and on compatible Samsung TVs and soundbars. In contrast to Dolby Atmos, which relies on proprietary technologies, there are no licence costs for manufacturers and no additional fees for users. Smaller audio manufacturers and service providers in particular could benefit from this, as implementation involves fewer hurdles.

But an open platform also has its challenges: how do Samsung and Google ensure that Eclipsa Audio sounds equally good across different devices? This is where a cooperation with the Telecommunications Technology Association comes in. They’re developing a certification program to ensure consistent audio quality on all Eclipsa-compatible devices.

What does this mean for consumers?

For us, Eclipsa Audio could be an exciting alternative to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. In particular, integration into YouTube – one of the world’s largest video platforms – could give Eclipsa a boost and, above all, gain widespread acceptance. This would also benefit Samsung’s open and licence-free HDR alternative to Dolby Vision, HDR10+, which hasn’t been able to establish itself yet.

And if you look at it from that perspective, should Samsung turn its back on Dolby Atmos just as it once did on Dolby Vision, Samsung televisions and soundbars could do without Dolby Atmos support in the future. However, if major media companies such as Netflix or Disney don’t jump on the Eclipsa bandwagon, consumers are threatened with being restricted to converted and possibly inferior stereo formats.

In fact, Eclipsa will only be available on certain Samsung devices initially. It also remains unclear how well Eclipsa will work with older Samsung devices or other brands. Dolby Atmos has a clear lead here thanks to its long market presence and wide acceptance.