Audible vs OverDrive

2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



Audible has unveiled its Wear OS application, broadening the horizons for audiobook enthusiasts using Android-based smartwatches. This app enables users to download audiobooks for offline listening and adjust the playback speed of their podcasts according to their preferences. Additionally, it allows users to directly choose audiobooks from their library on their Galaxy Watch that runs Wear OS. This integration provides newfound freedom to users, allowing them to enjoy their beloved books without being tied to their smartphones. Essentially, the Audible Wear OS app offers a seamless and intuitive audiobook experience for Android smartwatch users. Whether you're on the go or taking a break from your smartphone, Audible on Wear OS provides a fresh way to immerse yourself in your favorite books anytime, anywhere.


2023. Audible is testing ad-supported access



Audible is testing ad-supported access to select titles for non-members. The move indicates that the company may be exploring the possibility of an ad-based membership option. Audible declined to comment on any specific plans. The test includes audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Audible says the test applies to a limited subsection of titles on its platform. Content providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. Users who are part of the test will hear a total of eight ads within a 24-hour period. Audible says it has taken additional measures to make sure that ads won’t be heard too frequently within a short time span. The company currently offers an Audible Plus membership plan that costs $7.95 per month and includes a selection of Audible Originals, audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs and podcasts.


2022. Kobo e-readers will not be affected by the Overdrive-to-Libby switch



Kobo e-readers offer the convenience of integrating your library card through Overdrive, allowing access to your local library branch directly from the device's settings menu. However, Overdrive recently announced the discontinuation of their outdated app and the transition to their newer app, Libby. This change has raised concerns among Kobo users. Nevertheless, Kobo assures users that the switch from Overdrive to Libby will not impact their e-readers. Kobo utilizes an API to retrieve book listings, cover art, and facilitate direct book downloads to their devices, making it independent of specific apps. It's important to note that Libby is currently not available for download from the Amazon Appstore. OverDrive has reached out to Amazon for information and approval, but there has been no update yet. In the meantime, Kindle Fire users can enjoy streaming ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines directly from their browser via libbyapp.com.


2022. You can no longer buy audiobooks on Audible for Android



Audible is undergoing a change in its Android app experience, transitioning to Google Play Billing, which will impact the ability to purchase individual titles directly within the app. Instead, single title purchases will no longer be available. Additionally, new Audible memberships will be billed through Google Play, rather than directly through Audible. However, users will still have the option to utilize Audible credits for purchasing books within the app, and the ability to acquire additional credits will remain accessible. This alteration is a result of a Google Policy revision for developers, which now entails a 30% charge on each digital good for larger companies generating over $1 million in annual revenue.


2022. Audible ties up with Wattpad



Audible has formed a partnership with the online social reading platform Wattpad, as reported by Indianexpress. This collaboration aims to make the most popular stories from Wattpad accessible to members of Audible in the form of audiobooks. Throughout 2022, the platform, owned by Amazon, plans to introduce additional titles from Wattpad. What's even better for Audible members is that these stories will be available for free. Audible expressed their strong belief in the potential of the Indian market and sees the inclusion of more regional language audiobooks and podcasts as a way to tap into a larger segment of the market.


2021. Waze now allows to stream Audible-audiobooks when driving a car



Waze, the mobile navigation app known for providing driving directions, has now integrated with Audible, enabling drivers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts while on the road. Audible members can seamlessly access audio content, including Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts, directly within the Waze app. With access to over 600,000 Audible Originals and a vast library of other content, drivers have a wide range of options to choose from. Waze already offers integration with numerous other audio apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, and NPR, further enhancing the audio experience for drivers.


2020. Audible is changing its subscription packages



Audible has recently introduced a new subscription package called Audible Plus, granting subscribers access to an impressive collection of over 68,000 hours of content spanning more than 11,000 original productions, audiobooks, and podcasts. This new offering comes at a monthly cost of $7.95. In addition, Audible has rebranded its Audible Gold program as Audible Premium Plus, available at a monthly subscription fee of $14.95. Audible Plus provides users with access to podcasts and original content, but does not include credits. Existing Audible members can immediately enjoy the new Plus library, while new users will be able to subscribe to the Audible Plus service starting from August 27th.


2020. Audible updated library management on iOS



Audiobook service Audible has introduced changes to their library system within the iOS app. Users now have the ability to arrange their audiobooks by genre or create collections. If you have multiple audiobooks in progress, you can conveniently locate titles based on their listening status. The new "Titles" feature enables you to filter your titles as started, not-started, or finished. Additionally, titles can be sorted by genres, automatically organizing books for those who prefer an effortless approach. To further customize your organization, you can create your own folders or collections with unique names and add titles to them. The newly introduced Favorites section provides easy access to your most frequently listened titles, allowing you to enjoy them repeatedly.


2020. Audible is giving away hundreds of stories for kids



Audible has embraced a powerful motto, "For as long as schools are closed, we're open," which is set to make a significant impact on households worldwide. The company recently made an exciting announcement, declaring that hundreds of their kid-friendly titles can now be accessed completely free, without any obligations or requirements for registration or login. All you need to do is click the provided link and start enjoying the captivating stories. This offering comes as a lifesaver for those moments when your little ones are feeling restless, and you find yourself short on time to read to them. Audible takes care of it all. Their vast collection includes stories suitable for every age, from Winnie-the-Pooh for the youngest toddlers to The Mystery of Alice for tweens. Additionally, there's an extensive selection available in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. You have the freedom to stream these titles on your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet, ensuring convenient access to a world of delightful storytelling.


2019. Overdrive comes to Germany



The largest company in the public library digital audiobooks and ebooks domain, Overdrive, has expanded its availability to Germany. Through a partnership with Libreka, one of the country's leading distributors, OverDrive aims to provide numerous benefits to public libraries and publishers in the DACH region. With its establishment in 2006, Libreka has acquired technical expertise in the ebook industry and deep familiarity with the DACH area, enabling them to deliver exceptional service to OverDrive's library customers. Furthermore, Libreka's experience working with publishers and extensive knowledge of German-language content will greatly benefit the customers served by the partnership.


2019. Audible.com brings Choose Your Own Adventure Stories to Alexa devices



Amazon's Audible is currently conducting tests on Choose Your Own Adventure-style narratives for Alexa devices, featuring professionally performed and voice-controlled stories from ChooseCo, the original publisher of the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. ChooseCo may sound familiar due to its legal dispute with Netflix over the use of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" trademark in the Black Mirror episode. ChooseCo asserts that Netflix lacked the proper license for its trademark usage. Nevertheless, ChooseCo aims to capitalize on the attention garnered from the dispute and leverage Netflix's success in popularizing this interactive storytelling approach among a tech-savvy, younger consumer base.


2018. Audible brings its audiobook library to the Apple Watch



Amazon-owned audiobook site Audible has recently unveiled its dedicated Apple Watch app, allowing users to enjoy audiobooks and effortlessly manage their library directly from the convenience of their small watch screen. This development aligns with Apple's emphasis on smartwatch audio, as demonstrated by the introduction of an LTE-enabled watch version last year and the recent announcement of a native podcasting app for the platform. Furthermore, this move helps validate Audible's recent addition of Aaptiv fitness routines, which seamlessly integrate with the Apple Watch's health and fitness focus. These workout and meditation offerings are currently complimentary for Audible users until September of the following year, further enhancing the overall user experience.


2017. Kindle gets Audible audiobooks support



Both the 8th generation Kindle and the first generation Amazon Kindle Oasis have recently received firmware updates that introduce a notable enhancement: the ability to purchase and listen to Audible audiobooks using Bluetooth headphones. A new feature allows users to seamlessly switch from browsing the Kindle bookstore to exploring the Audible collection, accompanied by a series of captivating images promoting this new bookstore integration. For Audible subscribers, any audiobooks obtained through their monthly credits are automatically synchronized with their Kindle library. The built-in audiobook player offers impressive functionality, including the ability to skip forward or backward by fifteen seconds and adjust the pitch level. While enjoying an audiobook, the Kindle Oasis conveniently displays the remaining time in the current chapter and features software-driven volume controls. At the bottom of the screen, a Bluetooth notification indicates the paired device or provides instructions for connecting headphones or a wireless speaker.


2017. Audible launched new unlimited subscription service Romance



Audible Romance introduces an exciting unlimited subscription program, granting users access to a vast collection of audiobook titles. This innovative service enables listeners to instantly gauge the level of steaminess in romance titles. With 41 micro-categories and 131 story and character tropes, listeners can delve deep into the catalog and discover romance titles that align with their specific interests. Each micro-category boasts its own browse page, allowing listeners to explore and sample audio snippets from each included title before immersing themselves in the complete story. Audible Romance is available for $6.95 per month as an add-on to an existing Audible membership, or as a standalone service at $14.95 per month.


2016. You can now give Audiobooks to your friends via Audible



Audible has introduced an exciting new gifting feature that enables users to share an individual audiobook with their friends. As part of this offering, each recipient will receive their first title for free, and Audible will compensate authors, actors, and other rights holders with the equivalent value of the shared title. Audible members who have purchased an audio title can conveniently send the book to their friends via email, text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp, utilizing various devices such as iOS, Android, and Windows 10. If the recipient is not an Audible member, they can simply sign up for a free account and enjoy the audiobook that has been shared with them.


2016. Audible Clips allows to share audiobook passages



Audible has introduced a new feature called Clips, enabling users to share 45-second snippets of their current audiobook across various platforms, including Facebook, SMS, and more. With a passion for discussing books, authors, and narrators, listeners can now initiate meaningful conversations with friends and family directly from their audiobook, fostering engaging interactions. Clips can be effortlessly shared through multiple channels such as Facebook, Twitter, SMS, email, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and others. This tool also presents an opportunity for authors and narrators to promote awareness of their audiobooks, expanding their reach to a broader audience.


2015. Rakuten buys ebook and audiobook platform OverDrive



In 2011, Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten entered the e-reader industry with its acquisition of hardware manufacturer Kobo for $315 million. Now, Rakuten has expanded its presence by acquiring ebook and audiobook marketplace OverDrive for $410 million. With a vast collection of over 2.5 million titles from more than 5,000 publishers, OverDrive will contribute to providing Kobo owners with a broader range of reading options. Leveraging OverDrive's extensive content library and established relationships with publishers, libraries, schools, and retailers, Rakuten aims to extend its mission of empowerment to new market segments. Notably, Rakuten anticipates that the addition of OverDrive, expected to be finalized next month, will significantly improve its eBook business's financial performance, potentially reaching a breakeven point before the end of this year. This optimistic outlook is supported by OverDrive's impressive financials, including a reported end-of-year (EBITDA) revenue of $25 million in 2014.


2014. OverDrive launches international Read an Ebook day



September 18th will mark the inaugural International Read an eBook Day, a yearly celebration aimed at promoting and highlighting the joy of reading on digital devices. In recent years, eBooks have experienced a significant surge in popularity, with Pew Research reporting that 28% of adults aged 18 and above read at least one eBook in 2013. The convenience of accessing eBooks on various mobile devices, computers, and tablets, anytime and anywhere, has contributed to their widespread adoption. Throughout September 18th, OverDrive will join in the festivities by organizing giveaways of tablets and devices every hour on www.readanebookday.com and through social media platforms. To participate, readers are encouraged to share their personal stories about the significance of eBooks. This global event invites readers from all corners of the world to take part in the largest digital reading experience, offering access to millions of free eBooks through local libraries or the option to purchase eBooks from online retailers.