Audible vs Oyster

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. 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. 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. E-Book subscription service Oyster to shut down



In a recent blog post, Oyster, the app known as the "Netflix for books" that debuted two years ago, has announced its impending closure in early 2016. Users who have purchased books or subscribed to Oyster Unlimited will receive an email concerning their accounts within the next few weeks. Purchased books will remain accessible and readable indefinitely. Oyster Unlimited, priced at $9.95 per month, initially competed with Scribd upon its launch in September 2013. The competition intensified when Amazon introduced its own e-book subscription service in July 2014. Despite facing the challenge of a dominant player in the industry, Oyster's app stood out from Kindle due to its distinctive features such as user-friendly interface, curated book lists, engaging essays, and an extensive selection.


2015. Oyster adds light-adjusting technology for easier e-reading



Ebook subscription service Oyster has introduced a new feature called Lumin to its e-reading platform, which enhances the reading experience for mobile users by adjusting the color and brightness of their screens. This software specifically targets the reduction of blue light emitted by LED screens, as recent research suggests that excessive exposure to blue light can potentially harm readers' eyes in dimly lit environments and disrupt sleep patterns. Lumin aims to alleviate strain during nighttime reading sessions for Oyster users by replacing blue light with a gentler, amber light. While it is commonly believed that backlit e-ink screens are less harsh than those found on smartphones or tablets, Oyster's technology claims to reduce the amount of blue light emitted by both types of devices by at least 50%.


2015. Oyster launches own e-book store



Oyster, often referred to as the "Netflix For Books," is expanding its offerings by launching its own e-book store. This move allows Oyster to provide its readers with a truly extensive selection of books. The interface will undergo minimal changes, but users will notice a significantly wider range of titles. Subscription-based books will be displayed alongside those available for individual purchase. The e-book store is launching with the participation of all the major publishers in the United States, including Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster. It's worth mentioning that Oyster's competitor, Scribd, also offers individual e-book sales but maintains a primary focus on the subscription model.


2014. Oyster created author board and online literary magazine



Ebook subscription service Oyster has unveiled two new programs to enhance its offerings. The first program is the Author Advisory Board, which brings together top authors to provide input and feedback on Oyster's business operations. These board members will contribute to product and content decisions, ensuring that the streaming services for books benefit writers, readers, and publishers in the long run. The second program focuses on expanding Oyster's discovery efforts by launching a digital magazine called The Oyster Review. This online publication is accessible to everyone, even non-subscribers of Oyster's ebook platform, and features original writing related to the ebooks available in Oyster's catalog. Many of these contributions come from various authors. While Oyster subscribers won't have exclusive access to additional content, they will enjoy the unique advantage of seamlessly transitioning from The Oyster Review to the books they wish to read within Oyster's platform.


2014. Oyster adds social Book Lists to drive discovery



Ebook subscription service Oyster has introduced a new feature called Book Lists, which enables users to create and share personalized collections of titles. This feature is now available to all Oyster subscribers without any additional charges, and it can be accessed through each user's profile page. Users have the flexibility to create lists of any size and selectively share them with other Oyster subscribers or on social media platforms outside of the e-reading platform. The introduction of user-generated recommendations adds a third avenue for Oyster readers to discover new titles, complementing the platform's existing recommendation system, which combines input from an editorial team and an algorithm, as well as the freedom to browse the Oyster catalog. This new feature aligns with the current trend of ebook subscription services refining their discovery mechanisms and emphasizing them as significant advantages for readers. For instance, Entitle, another subscription ebook provider, recently enhanced its recommendation system to enhance users' ability to explore new content.


2014. Oyster launches cross-platform web reader



Oyster, the popular unlimited ebook subscription service, has recently introduced its web and mobile web reader, expanding its accessibility to a wider audience of readers. With the launch of this new platform, Oyster now allows users to enjoy their ebooks on web and mobile web browsers, providing a seamless reading experience. Similar to reading a beloved blog, the web reader enables smooth vertical scrolling of pages. Additionally, users can personalize their reading experience by selecting from five reader themes, which have been well-received by Oyster users on Android and Apple platforms.