Google’s Android 17 Adds Eclipsa Video Support, Could Expand to Samsung Galaxy Devices
Google released the stable version of Android 17 earlier this month, introducing native support for Eclipsa Video, a new HDR format optimized for mobile devices. This development could lead to Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets adopting the format via the upcoming One UI 9.0 update.
What Is Eclipsa Video and How Does It Work?
Eclipsa Video, based on the open SMPTE ST 2094-50 specification, was co-developed by Google, Apple, and NBCUniversal. Eclipsa Video takes ambient lighting and display hardware into account to adjust HDR brightness instead of relying solely on the video’s dynamic metadata. This approach aims to prevent sudden, eye-blinding brightness when scrolling through feeds, such as Instagram, in dim lighting conditions.
Eclipsa Video uses an HDR Reference White benchmark to ensure that standard UI elements, text, and SDR colors remain readable while HDR content is displayed on the screen. The format also scales highlights based on the screen’s physical brightness limits.
How Does Eclipsa Compare to Existing HDR Formats?
Eclipsa Video differs from Samsung’s HDR10+ Adaptive, which is based on the SMPTE ST 2094-40 specification. Eclipsa Video uses precise dynamic metadata and ambient lighting conditions to optimize brightness and colors.
Like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Eclipsa Video uses frame-by-frame dynamic metadata to deliver accurate colors and contrast across phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs.
What’s Next for Samsung and Eclipsa Video?
Some Galaxy phones and tablets could get support for Eclipsa Video with the upcoming One UI 9.0 update. HDR10+ Technologies LLC, an industry consortium with more than 180 companies, including Samsung, will administer the program for Eclipsa Video.
Eclipsa Audio and Eclipsa Video could be bundled together for mobile devices and TVs, similar to how Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision are marketed together. Eclipsa Audio is already supported on select Samsung soundbars and TVs launched in 2025 or later.
Why This Matters for Consumers
We could see wider adoption of both Eclipsa Audio and Eclipsa Video starting next year as more compatible hardware becomes available.