- Eclipsa Audio is a new 3D audio format developed by Google and Samsung, aiming to challenge Dolby Atmos.
- Initially launching on 2025 Samsung TVs and soundbars, Eclipsa will also be integrated into Android 16 and supported by a range of smart TVs, including Google TVs, Hisense, TCL, Sony, and Philips.
- Streaming support is limited, with YouTube confirmed as the primary platform for Eclipsa audio, but major services like Netflix have yet to commit.
A new 3D audio format, Eclipsa Audio, is set to challenge the dominance of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. Announced at CES 2025, Eclipsa is an open-source audio format developed collaboratively by Google and Samsung. Positioned as a competitor to Dolby Atmos, much like HDR10+ is to Dolby Vision, Eclipsa is set to make its debut on 2025 Samsung TVs and soundbars.
According to Google, Eclipsa will be embedded in Android 16, ensuring compatibility with Google TVs and other smart TV brands like Hisense, TCL, Sony, and Philips. Additionally, LG TVs running webOS will support Eclipsa Audio, allowing a wider array of users to experience the format.
What Makes Eclipsa Audio Different?
Unlike Dolby Atmos, which uses object-based sound for a more flexible audio experience, Eclipsa Audio is channel-based. This means it assigns audio sources to specific channels, similar to traditional 2.0 stereo or 5.1 surround sound setups. Despite being less flexible, Eclipsa can support up to 28 input channels, offering a rich and immersive 3D soundstage, making it easier to deploy consistently across various devices.
While Eclipsa is designed for a broad audience, Google and Samsung envision it as a versatile 3D audio solution not just for high-end entertainment but for everyday audio as well. This means even casual YouTube videos could benefit from spatial audio, especially once creators are able to upload Eclipsa-encoded content later in 2025.
A Waiting Game for Eclipsa Adoption
Currently, YouTube is expected to be the first platform to fully support Eclipsa Audio, but the question remains: will content creators adopt it? While Google has positioned Eclipsa as a format for all, from casual content to high-end media, streaming services have been slow to embrace the new technology. Notably, Netflix, a major proponent of Dolby Atmos, has not yet announced support for Eclipsa, despite its involvement with Google and Samsung in the Alliance for Open Media (AOM).
Moreover, Apple’s stance on tvOS or iOS compatibility with Eclipsa remains uncertain. If the format does gain traction, it could revolutionize how audio is experienced on Android smartphones, tablets, and other devices, further expanding its reach.
Open-Source Audio: The Future of Spatial Sound?
Eclipsa Audio aims to bring spatial audio technology, which has traditionally been confined to professionals in the movie and music industries, to the masses. Google notes in a blog post that while spatial audio has existed for decades, its widespread adoption has been limited. With Eclipsa, anyone can experience high-quality 3D audio, regardless of whether they’re watching a movie or listening to a simple YouTube video.
For now, the lack of widespread adoption from streaming giants and creators may limit Eclipsa’s reach, but the potential for open-source 3D audio is undeniable. If major platforms like Netflix and Apple jump on board, Eclipsa could shape the future of immersive sound on Android devices and beyond.
Final Thoughts:
While Eclipsa Audio offers significant promise as an open-source, 3D audio solution, its future will depend on whether key players—especially content creators and streaming platforms—embrace the technology. Until then, TV owners will have to wait for more widespread support and content to truly experience the benefits of Eclipsa on their devices.
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