A new era for 3D audio is here—and it’s open-source

Samsung and Google are teaming up to introduce Eclipsa Audio, an innovative 3D audio standard set to roll out later this year on select YouTube videos. (And yes, it’s completely royalty-free.)

This new format aims to provide the same immersive experiences as Dolby Atmos—but without the licensing fees. It adjusts audio data like sound location, intensity, and spatial reflections to create a truly immersive 3D experience.

Why does this matter?

Over the years, Samsung has avoided adopting certain paid formats (think Dolby Vision HDR), opting to innovate with open-source alternatives. Now, with Eclipsa Audio, they’re taking that same approach to redefine how we experience sound.

The Alliance for Open Media (Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft, and more) has also backed the technology. Imagine the potential if all these players adopt it.

The possibilities are huge.