The Dolby Atmos Battle: Samsung & Google Enter the Fray

Samsung, in collaboration with Google, has announced the integration of Eclipsa Audio, a groundbreaking 3D audio technology, into its 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars. This initiative aims to deliver an immersive audio experience, positioning Eclipsa Audio as a formidable competitor to existing technologies like Dolby Atmos.

The partnership between Samsung and Google has been instrumental in developing Eclipsa Audio. This collaboration builds upon their earlier joint effort, the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), an open-source framework for 3D spatial audio adopted by the Alliance for Open Media in October 2023. 

Eclipsa Audio offers advanced control over sound placement, intensity, and spatial reflections, creating a comprehensive 3D audio environment. Unlike proprietary formats, Eclipsa Audio is open-source, eliminating licensing fees and encouraging broader adoption across devices and platforms. 

Samsung plans to incorporate Eclipsa Audio across its 2025 TV lineup, from the Crystal UHD series to the premium Neo QLED 8K models, as well as its latest soundbars. This integration aims to make advanced audio technology accessible to a wide range of consumers, enhancing the overall viewing experience. 

Google has begun implementing Eclipsa Audio on YouTube, allowing creators to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks. This development enables users with compatible Samsung devices to experience spatial audio on the platform, potentially influencing content creation and consumption trends. 

In collaboration with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), Samsung and Google are developing a certification program to ensure consistent audio quality across devices utilizing Eclipsa Audio. This initiative could facilitate the technology's adoption by third-party manufacturers, promoting a standardized audio experience industry-wide. 

The introduction of Eclipsa Audio represents a strategic move by Samsung and Google to challenge established proprietary audio formats. By offering a high-quality, open-source alternative, they aim to democratize access to immersive audio technology, potentially reshaping market dynamics and influencing future developments in the audio-visual industry.