For the first time, Samsung TVs will support '360 Audio' in conjunction with compatible Galaxy headphones. However, it does not work with Dolby Atmos.

360 Audio is, in essence, TV surround sound virtualization through headphones; the TV transmits a 5.1 surround track from a streaming service wirelessly to compatible headphones. Head tracking will be supported, said Samsung.

Only select 2024 Samsung TV models (see the table at the bottom) will support 360 Audio alongside Samsung's Buds2 and Buds2 Pro headphones, following a firmware update scheduled for late February.

- "The best audio places users in the center of the action, and 360 Audio delivers surrounding sound from all directions. Previously supported on phones and tablets, 360 Audio will now be available for TVs, providing a theater-like experience at home. Galaxy Buds will also be able track your head movement to create a truly immersive soundscape," announced Samsung.


Dolby Atmos not supported
Samsung is the first TV maker to add support for the technology, also known as 'Spatial Audio' in Apple TV 4K with AirPods. However, unlike Apple TV 4K, Samsung's 2024 TVs will not support Dolby Atmos in 360 Audio.

- "When 360 audio is on, Dolby Atmos will be deactivated while you are watching videos," Samsung's support page reads.


 Samsung's 360 Audio virtualizes surround sound in headphones

Later this year, Samsung and Google will roll out a rival to Dolby Atmos so it is possible that 360 Audio may eventually work with object-based audio in some form. Samsung TVs do not support DTS:X either.

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Samsung has not clarified which streaming services are with 360 Audio on its TVs. FlatpanelsHD will try to get hands-on time with the new feature later.

Samsung 2024 TVs compatible with 360 Audio
 FlatpanelsHD