Google and Samsung have unveiled Eclipsa Audio, a new royalty-free 3D audio format designed to deliver immersive sound experiences across a wide range of devices. Set to debut on this year’s Samsung TVs and soundbars, Eclipsa Audio will also be integrated into YouTube, allowing creators to upload spatial audio content. Unlike Dolby Atmos, which requires licensing fees, Eclipsa is free for manufacturers, potentially lowering costs for both device makers and content creators. With plans to expand to Android phones, Chrome browsers, and more, Eclipsa aims to democratize access to spatial audio technology for consumers and creators alike.
While Eclipsa Audio promises to make immersive audio more accessible, industry experts caution that adding another format could complicate an already fragmented sound landscape. Drawing lessons from Samsung’s HDR10+—a royalty-free rival to Dolby Vision that struggled with brand recognition—Google is prioritizing consumer-friendly branding and device certification to ensure Eclipsa’s success. As the format rolls out, there’s speculation that Google may eventually expand Eclipsa to video, signaling a broader challenge to Dolby’s dominance in the home entertainment space.
Click here to read the entire story on FastComapny