Source: Unsplash
Eclipsa Audio is an innovative, new spatial audio technology engineered by Samsung Electronics in collaboration with Google. This solution aims to redefine the way we consume sound across all kinds of devices.
The technology was debuted at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. The state-of-the-art 3D audio format is designed to provide three-dimensional soundscapes, which shift across the speakers and deliver a sense of depth and realism that no other piece of audio technology can offer.
The collaboration between Samsung and Google
In 2023, Samsung and Google, as part of the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), co-developed the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), which has since been adopted as the industry standard for 3D audio. This partnership led to the creation of Eclipsa Audio, an open-source spatial audio format that allows content creators to produce immersive audio experiences without the burden of licensing fees.
By democratising access to advanced audio technology, Eclipsa Audio empowers creators to craft rich, multidimensional soundscapes across various media platforms.
The use cases of spatial audio technology
The applications for spatial audio technology like Eclipsa Audio are growing year-on-year. It has the potential to enhance the immersivity of all kinds of digital media. First and foremost, it has the ability to create a heightened sense of presence and situational awareness in video and online gaming. By rendering sound from multiple directions, it’s easier to detect in-game movements and actions.
Spatial audio can even be used to heighten the atmosphere of basic games like online slot titles, which are increasingly popular due to their mobile compatibility. Even online bingo rooms now include hundreds of online slots, many of which have their own unique themes. Imagine Halloween-themed slots with spine-tingling spatial audio panning footsteps or eerie sounds from left to right, as if there’s someone peering at you while the reels spin. It doesn’t get more immersive than that.
Film producers can also utilise Eclipsa Audio to craft enveloping soundscapes that draw audiences deeper into a narrative. Whether it’s the subtle rustling of leaves or the dramatic roar of an explosion, spatial audio adds depth and realism to cinematic storytelling.
Eclipsa’s integration with Samsung TVs and Android mobiles
Source: Unsplash
Samsung has integrated Eclipsa Audio into its 2025 TV lineup, ranging from the Crystal UHD series to the premium Neo QLED 8K models. This integration enables viewers to experience lifelike 3D audio directly from their television sets.
Beyond televisions, Eclipsa Audio is set to enhance audio experiences on Android devices. An impending launch of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) will include Eclipsa Audio support, bringing spatial audio capabilities to a wide range of smartphones and tablets. Owners of Samsung Galaxy devices will especially look forward to software updates that will enable Eclipsa Audio on their devices, allowing for immersive sound experiences in mobile gaming, video streaming, and music playback.
Dolby Atmos has been out on its own as the pioneering spatial audio format for some time now. Eclipsa Audio emerges as Dolby’s first genuine competitor. Eclipsa’s ability to operate via an open-source framework helps to set it apart from Dolby Atmos, throwing out the need for licensing fees and encouraging mainstream adoption from producers, designers and developers worldwide.
