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Photo by Samsung Memory on Unsplash

The world of audio technology is on the cusp of a significant revolution, courtesy of Samsung and Google’s joint venture, Eclipsa Audio. This innovative format promises to deliver 3D audio experiences on select YouTube videos later this year, with support available across Samsung’s 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars. This development marks a notable departure from the usual licensing agreements that have dominated the industry, where companies like Dolby Atmos charge hardware manufacturers for the privilege of using their proprietary technology.

The significance of Eclipsa Audio lies in its potential to disrupt the status quo and provide a free alternative to Dolby Atmos. This open-source format supports adjusting “audio data such as the location and intensity of sounds, along with spatial reflections” to create an immersive 3D experience. The fact that Samsung and Google are backing this technology is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio innovation.

The Rise of Eclipsa Audio

The collaboration between Samsung and Google on spatial audio technology dates back to 2023, when they first announced their partnership. Initially known as Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), this project aimed to provide a complete open-source framework for 3D audio, from creation to delivery and playback. The IAMF spec has since been adopted by the Alliance for Open Media, a group that advocates for royalty-free codec support.

• The Alliance for Open Media has played a crucial role in promoting open-source codecs, with members like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix joining forces to create a more accessible and affordable streaming experience.
• The adoption of IAMF by the Alliance for Open Media is a significant step towards making Eclipsa Audio a widely accepted standard.

In an effort to ensure consistent audio quality across devices using Eclipsa Audio, Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association to create a certification program. This initiative is reminiscent of the way companies like Dolby and THX manage their specs, further emphasizing the potential for Eclipsa Audio to become a widely recognized standard in the industry.

Key Features and Benefits

• 3D audio experiences: Eclipsa Audio enables 3D audio on select YouTube videos, providing an immersive experience for viewers.
• Open-source format: Unlike proprietary formats like Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio is open-source, making it more accessible and affordable for manufacturers to implement.
• Consistent audio quality: The certification program developed with the Telecommunications Technology Association ensures that devices using Eclipsa Audio meet consistent audio quality standards.

The launch of Eclipsa Audio marks a significant turning point in the audio technology industry. With its potential to disrupt the status quo and provide a free alternative to Dolby Atmos, this innovation has far-reaching implications for manufacturers, content creators, and consumers alike.

Insights and Analysis

The adoption of Eclipsa Audio by Samsung and Google is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio innovation. This collaboration has the potential to create a new standard in the industry, one that prioritizes accessibility and affordability over proprietary formats.

• The success of Eclipsa Audio will depend on its adoption by other manufacturers and content creators. If it gains widespread support, it could become a widely recognized standard in the industry.
• However, the pace at which Eclipsa Audio is adopted will be crucial. The slow uptake of the Alliance for Open Media’s video codec has served as a reminder that open-source formats require time and effort to gain traction.

The certification program developed with the Telecommunications Technology Association is a crucial step towards ensuring consistent audio quality across devices using Eclipsa Audio. This initiative will help manufacturers implement the format correctly, further emphasizing its potential for widespread adoption.

Photo by Yannic Alexander on Unsplash

Conclusion

The launch of Eclipsa Audio marks a significant milestone in the audio technology industry. With its potential to disrupt the status quo and provide a free alternative to Dolby Atmos, this innovation has far-reaching implications for manufacturers, content creators, and consumers alike.

As CES 2025 kicks off next week, we can expect to hear more about Eclipsa Audio. The coming days will be crucial in determining the format’s potential for widespread adoption and its impact on the industry as a whole.