Eclipsa Audio, derived from the innovative Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), marks a significant advancement in spatial audio technology. Developed collaboratively by Google, Samsung, and other leading entities within the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), Eclipsa Audio is designed to democratize the creation and consumption of spatial audio. Unlike previous technologies that were predominantly accessible to professionals in film and music, Eclipsa Audio promises a more inclusive approach, allowing even amateurs to create and interact with spatial audio using free tools.
The Democratization of Spatial Audio
“Spatial audio technologies were first developed over 50 years ago, and playback has been available to consumers for over a decade,” stated the Open Audio team at Google. They further elaborated that the creation of spatial audio has traditionally been limited to industry professionals, but Eclipsa Audio aims to change that narrative by enabling anyone to craft spatial audio content.
In a move to bolster this initiative, Google has announced the upcoming release of a free Eclipsa Audio plugin for the AVID Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation, scheduled for release in spring. This tool aims to simplify the creation process, further bridging the gap between professional audio producers and hobbyists.
Immediate Accessibility and Future Plans
For those eager to explore Eclipsa Audio, Google has made a reference renderer available for free, which facilitates standalone spatial audio playback. Additionally, users can experiment with their Eclipsa Audio creations directly in their browsers via the Binaural Web Demo Application.
Looking ahead, YouTube has confirmed that creators will soon be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks, enhancing the viewer’s audio experience. Moreover, the technology is set to be natively supported on Samsung’s latest TVs, including the Crystal UHD series and Neo QLED 8K models, and is expected to be introduced to Chrome later this year. Details regarding specific form factors for Chrome and Android support have yet to be disclosed.
Expanding Ecosystem and Assurance Programs
By 2025, Eclipsa Audio is anticipated to be supported by a range of devices, including TVs and soundbars from multiple manufacturers. To ensure a seamless and high-quality audio experience across various platforms, Samsung and Google are also initiating a certification and brand licensing program. This program is designed to provide quality assurance to manufacturers and consumers alike for products that support Eclipsa Audio.
With its inclusive design and broad support ecosystem, Eclipsa Audio is poised to transform how we experience audio in our daily lives—be it through movies, music, or virtual reality. This initiative not only reflects Google’s commitment to open source development but also underscores a significant shift towards more immersive and accessible digital experiences. As Eclipsa Audio rolls out across different platforms and devices, it is set to redefine the boundaries of audio technology.
