Top 10: Audiobook apps

2024. Spotify brings its free audiobooks perk for Premium users to Canada, Ireland and New Zealand



Spotify has announced the extension of its free audiobook offer to Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, granting users in these regions 15 hours of monthly free audiobook listening. Moreover, the platform is broadening its audiobook library from 200,000 to 250,000 titles. This expansion follows Spotify's declaration two months ago that its audiobook service ranks as the second-largest provider after Amazon's Audible. Since its launch last November, users have engaged with over 150,000 titles. Audiobooks are easily accessible through the Home feed or search tab within the Spotify app, with those labeled "Included in Premium" requiring a Spotify Premium subscription for listening. Listening hours can be monitored within the app's settings.


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. Beelinguapp allows to learn language by audiobooks


Beelinguapp offers an engaging way to acquire proficiency in up to 14 new languages by using audiobooks and music. Unlike conventional lesson-based language learning platforms, Beelinguapp is tailored to enhance the enjoyment of the learning process. This convenient application, accessible on any device, presents text in two different languages, side by side. It allows you to compare your native language with the one you wish to learn while immersing yourself in audiobooks delivered in a unique karaoke-style reading method, narrated by native speakers of the target language. You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of languages such as Spanish, German, Korean, or French, and explore a wide range of texts, from news articles to novels to fairytales. Beelinguapp continually updates its collection with new audiobooks each week, ensuring you always have a diverse selection to learn from.


2023. Project Gutenberg is offering audiobooks powered by AI



Project Gutenberg has made available thousands of free audiobooks on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple, and Google podcasts. In a collaborative effort with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Microsoft, Project Gutenberg has embarked on an extensive initiative to enhance access to classic literature by harnessing the power of AI to produce an extensive audiobook collection. This project capitalizes on the latest developments in neural text-to-speech technology to breathe new life into numerous beloved books, presenting them in a more accessible audio format. Notably, it possesses the capability to replicate a user's voice with only a 5-second audio sample. This endeavor relies on recent breakthroughs in neural text-to-speech to generate realistic voices that closely resemble those of native human speakers. The methodology employs a deep neural network that has been trained to emulate the quality and tone of native speakers, allowing it to communicate in various languages and even detect and adapt to the emotional nuances of the text being read. Presently, there are approximately 5,000 titles available, with ongoing efforts to convert more books into this format.


2023. AuthorVoices.ai wants to disrupt audiobook production industry



AuthorVoices.ai has introduced a revolutionary platform that marks the dawn of a fresh era in audiobook creation. It provides authors the ability to transform their narratives into vibrant auditory experiences, all within a fraction of the time and expense typically linked to conventional narration methods. The platform offers an adaptable and economical remedy, eradicating the necessity for restrictive contracts and recurring invoices. Authors can conveniently procure credits beforehand, granting them the autonomy to dictate the tempo and financial plan of their audiobook ventures. The platform's sophisticated AI software adeptly manages all the intricate specifications demanded by prominent audiobook vendors. This ensures the smooth and top-notch production of audiobooks, aligning with industry benchmarks while preserving swiftness. AuthorVoices.ai empowers storytellers to either personally narrate their works or select from a diverse array of professionally replicated voices. By simplifying the process of audiobook creation through the integration of AI technology, this platform emerges as a transformative force for authors and the entire publishing domain.


2023. Audiobook service Audioteka acquired by Polish holding



The acquisition of Audioteka by Wirtualna Polska Holding Group has been successfully finalized for an impressive €17 million. Audioteka, a prominent player in the audiobook industry, with its headquarters in Warsaw, has developed a highly regarded mobile and multi-language application designed for smartphones and tablets. The company has gained recognition for catering to a diverse audience, providing audiobooks in an impressive range of 9 languages across 23 countries. This strategic deal is expected to create synergies between the two companies, allowing for collaborative opportunities and an expanded reach for Audioteka's extensive audiobook catalog. Customers can look forward to an enhanced and seamless user experience as the integration process gains momentum.


2023. Spotify Tesla app now supports audiobooks



The Tesla Spotify app has received an update, bringing exciting new features, including support for audiobooks. One significant change is the revamped login process, where you simply need to scan a QR code with your smartphone to access the app on your Tesla. This eliminates the need for typing your password every time, making it much more convenient. Additionally, the update introduces a long-awaited feature from the Spotify desktop app, allowing you to click on an artist's name while on a playlist to access a dedicated page for that artist or album. This feature is now available on the Tesla app as well, providing a seamless user experience. Furthermore, the app has been given a modern and refreshed look, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The search for audiobooks has been streamlined, and you can easily browse audiobook chapters while listening to them. All in all, this update brings a collection of improvements that Spotify fans are sure to appreciate.


2023. Android Reading Mode can turn any text into an audiobook



Android users now have the opportunity to read on their mobile devices while multitasking, thanks to a new Google's app called Reading Mode. This app is particularly valuable for visually impaired users because of its extensive customization options. Users can personalize their reading experience by adjusting font type, color, and size to suit their preferences. Moreover, the app offers a text-to-speech feature that can read paragraphs aloud, even when using other apps or when the screen is turned off. To utilize this read-aloud feature, simply visit a website with multiple paragraphs of text and activate Reading Mode using your preferred shortcut. If it's your first time using the shortcut and your device supports multiple accessibility apps, you can select "Reading Mode" from the available options.


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.


2023. Autio - location-based audio storytelling app



Autio is a location-based audio entertainment app co-founded by actor Kevin Costner and formerly known as HearHere. The app uses GPS to narrate stories of landmarks, cities and towns nearby with the aim of fostering deep connections and understandings of the places users are traveling through. Autio initially launched as HearHere in August 2020 with just 1,500 location-based stories. Autio now offers more than 10,000 stories across the entire United States and has more than 230,000 registered users. Although Autio is currently only available on iOS, the company is currently testing an Android app in private beta and plans to release it to the public soon.


2023. What is better: reading or listening to a book?



Nowadays, people have less time to enjoy the benefits of reading due to their busy lives. The availability of various forms of entertainment has made it easier to get distracted, making it more difficult to find time to read. However, audiobooks have emerged as a creative and convenient way to stay connected to books. It is a great solution to maintain your reading habit while on the go. ***


2022. BookBaby and Speechki create AI voice-narrated audiobooks


BookBaby, a prominent player in the audiobook segment, has recently announced its collaboration with Speechki, a startup specializing in artificial intelligence-powered synthetic voice narration for audiobooks, according to a press release. This partnership aims to significantly expedite and reduce the cost of the entire audiobook creation process. With the integration of advanced Speechki-powered technology, BookBaby now has the capability to deliver the audio proof within a remarkably short span of 5 days after authors upload their manuscripts. Speechki currently supports 77 languages and offers a wide selection of up to 50 synthetic voice actors. Authors are required to select their desired language for the audiobook production, as well as choose the AI voice actor who will narrate the audiobook.


2022. Spiracle - a new stylish audiobook platform



Spiracle has recently launched in the United Kingdom as a novel audiobook platform. It showcases titles from various publishers, emphasizing independent presses and offering a diverse selection of literary fiction and nonfiction, including translated books. Spiracle collaborates with smaller publishers to produce a range of audiobooks. The platform operates on a subscription model, allowing users to purchase a monthly plan priced at £12.99 or a higher annual fee. Alternatively, customers have the option to buy individual titles without subscribing.


2022. Spotify to sells audiobooks



Spotify is taking on the audiobook market with its new section Spotify Audiobooks. That means you'll be able to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and books all in one place, regardless of whether or not you pay for a Spotify Premium subscription. However, unlike music and podcasts on Spotify, the audiobooks aren't free. To purchase an audiobook through Spotify, you will be taken to the web from the app to complete your purchase — like how you pay for Spotify Premium — and then brought back to the app. Each audiobook is individually priced consistent with industry standards. There is no discount for Spotify Premium users. The feature allows users to download audiobooks that they can keep forever; the platform offers more than 300,000 in a diverse range of genres.


2022. Audiobook platform Podimo raises $59M



Audiobook platform Podimo has recently secured $58.99 million in a new funding round. The company plans to utilize a significant portion of the funds to explore new markets and improve its content and technology platform. What sets Podimo apart is its profitable business model, having achieved a five-fold increase in paid members in just three years of operation. Podimo's success lies in its steadfast focus on the "dedicated local-first approach," which entails investing in local content from influential voices today. Currently, the company offers streaming services in countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Latin America.


2022. Audrey is a new audiobook app with a twist



Audrey is a novel mobile audiobook application that offers all the typical functionality while focusing on enhancing listeners' engagement with fiction. Each audiobook featured on the platform is accompanied by meticulously crafted illustrations created by professional authors. Moreover, the service employs guides who are readily available to assist users in discovering their next captivating audiobook. With Audrey, you can enjoy chapter-by-chapter recaps and real-time character descriptions, ensuring that you stay informed about the ongoing story without encountering any spoilers. The guides themselves are experts in fields such as writing, literary research, translation, and editing, selected based on their profound knowledge of the book, its author, and its underlying themes. The Audrey Guide enriches your listening experience by providing historical and cultural context, insights about the author, thought-provoking prompts, curated playlists, and more. These valuable additions are presented in a bite-sized, spoiler-free manner within the "Notes from the Guide" section of the app, dynamically updating as you progress through the audiobook.


2022. Barnes and Noble Audiobooks officially launches



Barnes and Noble has introduced a dedicated Nook Audiobooks app for both Android and iOS platforms, in addition to their existing website. The bookseller has made efforts to include audiobooks on their main website, featuring a dedicated landing page, and customers will now find a new audiobook category when searching for books. Previously, only print and ebooks were available, but now audiobooks are listed on every book page as well. The Nook App for Android and iOS has also received an audiobook player, enabling users to listen to content purchased from the website. However, it is no longer possible to purchase audio content directly within the app. Notably, a compelling feature of this new offering is the audiobook subscription service, allowing users to pay $14.99 per month and receive an audiobook credit that can be redeemed for one of their 200,000 audiobooks from major publishers. These audiobooks can be enjoyed on the Nook app for Android, iOS, or via the web player.


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. Speechki allows publishers and authors to turn books into audiobooks



The audiobook market is experiencing significant growth, with the American Publishing Association predicting that audiobook revenue could surpass ebook revenue by 2023 after nine consecutive years of double-digit growth. However, the availability of books in audio format remains limited, with less than 5% of books being offered as audiobooks. To address this, Speechki offers a straightforward solution for publishers and authors seeking to enhance accessibility and generate revenue through audiobook production. Using artificial intelligence, Speechki creates audiobooks with synthetic narration at an affordable cost starting from $500. With an extensive range of 364 human-like voices available in 77 languages, Speechki aims to assist publishers in creating over a million new audiobook titles within the next 12-24 months.


2022. RBmedia now has German-Language Audiobooks



The largest audiobook producer globally, RBmedia, has made a significant move into the German-language audio market by introducing its new audio brand, RBmedia Verlag. Simultaneously, RBmedia has announced the acquisition of ABOD, a renowned German audiobook publisher that will contribute top-tier titles to this new brand. For nearly a decade, ABOD has been dedicated to producing audiobooks in the fields of economics and politics. These audiobooks are published under the ABOD and Hörbuch München imprints, and they are meticulously crafted within the company's sound studios located in Munich.


2021. Podimo - European audiobook platform



Based in Copenhagen, Podimo is a podcast and audiobook platform that is presently available in select parts of Europe, including Denmark, Spain, Germany, Norway, and the entirety of the Latin American region. The platform offers an impressive collection of audiobooks from across the globe, and the app can be downloaded and enjoyed for free, without requiring any login credentials. By becoming a paying member, you gain unlimited access to over 600 unique shows that are exclusively available on Podimo, alongside a diverse range of audiobooks. Moreover, your membership fee directly supports the creators you listen to each month, regardless of their location or exclusivity.


2021. Spotify sets its sights on audiobooks with Findaway acquisition



Spotify is strengthening its presence in the audio realm through the acquisition of Findaway, a prominent audiobook platform renowned for its distribution and self-publishing services for independent authors. Findaway encompasses various businesses, including audiobook distribution to multiple platforms and the provision of audiobook creation services through Findaway Voices. By connecting authors with narrators, this acquisition could potentially open up a new and valuable revenue stream for Spotify. While this isn't Spotify's initial foray into the world of audiobooks, having previously offered an exclusive audio experience for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" in 2020, the company recently ventured into the audiobook space by launching a collection of classics narrated by celebrities earlier this year.


2021. Costco launches new Audiobook Store and iOS App



Costco, one of the world's largest big box retailers, has ventured into the audiobook industry with the launch of their audiobook store on their website. They have also introduced a free iOS app that allows customers to listen to their purchased audiobooks. Costco primarily offers curated audiobook bundles, comprising multiple titles at a remarkably low price, selected by their staff. Currently, individual audiobook listings are not available, but this may change as the store evolves. To purchase audiobooks from Costco, a membership card is required, and customers must reside in the United States, as the store has yet to launch in Canada. The membership program subsidizes the cost of the bundles and offers better deals compared to individual purchases from other online retailers such as Audible, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo Audiobooks, among others.


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.


2019. DeepZen allows authors to turn ebooks into audiobooks



DeepZen is an innovative voice synthesizer project that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence algorithms provided by IBM's Power A.I. and Watson technologies. Leveraging these advanced technologies, DeepZen has developed text-to-speech tools that not only produce human-like voices but also capture the necessary emotional nuances for delivering compelling text readings. The company claims that their solution could potentially reduce the time and cost associated with creating audiobooks by a remarkable 90%. DeepZen emphasizes that their goal is not to replace narrators, but rather to assist smaller publishers and independent authors in generating audiobooks without the complexities of engaging professional narrators.


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.


2018. Walmart and Kobo launched online e-book and audiobook store



Walmart has joined forces with Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce giant, to introduce a platform for selling audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers alongside its existing collection of physical books. The newly launched site, named Walmart eBooks, offers access to an extensive library of over 6 million titles, encompassing New York Times best-sellers, indie publications, and children's books. In a move reminiscent of Amazon's Audible, Walmart is also introducing a monthly audiobook subscription service. Notably, Walmart's pricing strategy aims to undercut its competitor. While Audible subscriptions start at $14.95 per month for a single audiobook, Walmart offers a subscription at only $9.99 per month for the same service. Additionally, Walmart will retail Rakuten's Kobo e-readers both online and in physical stores, further expanding the range of options available to customers.


2018. Google Audiobooks gets Trim Silences feature



Google Play Books has recently introduced a new feature known as Trim Silences, available exclusively for listening to audiobooks purchased from Google. This functionality automatically shortens extended pauses between words or sentences. While professional audiobooks typically have these pauses removed by default, Trim Silences proves particularly valuable for certain small presses and independent authors who may have unintentional longer pauses.


2018. Audio Reader app for Android turns any ebook into audiobook



Good e-Reader has recently introduced an Android app called Audio Reader, which has the ability to transform any ebook into an audiobook. This innovative app utilizes Amazon Polly, the technology behind Alexa, to read aloud all of your sideloaded content. It offers support for 28 different languages and provides English users with a choice of 12 distinct voices. With over 36,000 audiobooks produced worldwide annually, publishers often prioritize front-list titles, leaving the back-list with less attention. Professionally narrated audiobooks, on average, can range from $15 to $49, resulting in significant costs. However, Audio Reader allows for the narration of any EPUB/MOBI/PRC sideloaded books with a natural-sounding voice, all free of charge.


2018. Google Play audiobooks get Smart Resume and bookmarks



Google Play Audiobooks has received a significant update, introducing several much-needed features to enhance the service since its initial launch earlier this year. One notable addition is the Smart Resume feature, which addresses interruptions during audiobook playback. Instead of resuming in the middle of a sentence or word, Smart Resume intelligently rewinds to the beginning of the interrupted word or sentence, ensuring a seamless listening experience. Furthermore, this update introduces the ability to set bookmarks, allowing users to easily revisit their favorite parts of a book, as well as the option to adjust the audio speed, enabling users to savor their preferred passages at their desired pace, even in a literary masterpiece like Ulysses. If you are an avid user of Google Assistant's Routines feature, you'll be delighted to know that you can now choose to continue your audiobooks when you wake up or commence your daily commute.


2018. Scribd reintroduced unlimited audiobooks and eBooks



Scribd has reintroduced its unlimited subscription system for audiobooks and ebooks. This system allows subscribers to enjoy unlimited access to a wide range of content, including ebooks, magazines, newspapers, sheet music, and audiobooks. For casual readers who typically read a few books a month from well-known publishers, Scribd's service is highly appealing. However, avid readers may encounter limitations. Once a certain number of titles have been read, access to the entire Scribd catalog is restricted, and readers can only choose from a limited selection. The exact threshold for this limitation remains unknown. Scribd's main competitor is Amazon Kindle Unlimited, but it is only available in specific countries and offers fewer titles from major publishers.


2018. Google brings audiobooks to its Play store



Google Play store now includes audiobooks in its offerings. This new feature for audiobooks is being launched in 45 countries and is available in nine languages. Similar to other platforms, you can listen to a preview of the audiobook directly on the Play Store. Moreover, audiobooks are automatically added to your family library, enabling easy sharing of your copy of "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" with everyone in your household. One particularly handy feature is the integration with Google Assistant on both your phone and Google Home. With this integration, you can simply ask the assistant to read your book, and it will comply. You can also ask basic questions about the book, such as the author's identity. Google's pricing appears to be competitive when compared to similar offerings from Amazon.


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.


2017. Instaread audiobook store launches on iOS



The iOS app Instaread offers a convenient solution for busy individuals seeking essential insights from highly sought-after nonfiction books in just 15 minutes, priced at $7.99 per month. An exciting development is that users can now directly purchase full-length audiobook titles within the app. This feature provides a significant competitive edge over Audible, as they do not offer direct content purchases within their iPhone or iPad app.


2017. Kobo launched Audio Bookstore



Kobo has introduced an audiobook bookstore offering individual audiobook purchases as well as a subscription-based model. Remarkably, their entire audiobook collection is powered by Overdrive, marking their first venture into the audiobook subscription realm. To support this new offering, Kobo has updated their Android and iOS apps, providing users with a fully functional audiobook player. Android users can make purchases and enjoy their audiobook content directly on the app. However, iOS users are limited to listening to titles they have already purchased or redeemed with credits. The Kobo audiobooks service is currently available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99.


2017. Audiobooks.com now allows to listen to audiobooks on Apple Watch and Android Wear



Audiobooks.com, a platform known for its streaming capabilities on various devices such as tvOS, Sonos, CarPlay, Android Auto, and select infotainment systems in GM, Land Rover, and Jaguar vehicles, has recently introduced comprehensive support for Apple iWatch and Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches. Users of these smartwatches can now conveniently launch the Audiobooks.com app directly from their wearable device. They can browse their personal audiobook library in My Books and enjoy listening to their desired audiobooks. The app on the smartwatch provides easy access to controls for play, pause, forward, rewind, and volume adjustment. This announcement follows the recent update to Wear 2.0 for Android, ensuring full compatibility with Audiobooks.com. Wearable technology users who are Audiobooks.com subscribers can immediately begin their listening experience without any additional actions required.


2017. Audiobooks.com is now available on Sonos home sound systems



Audiobooks.com has recently made an exciting announcement regarding its global availability on Sonos. Subscribers of Audiobooks.com now have the opportunity to enjoy their preferred audiobooks through Sonos speakers, providing a high-quality sound experience throughout their entire homes. To stream Audiobooks.com on Sonos, users can effortlessly add the service by selecting "Add Music Services" from any Sonos controller app, scrolling down to locate the Audiobooks.com icon, and then logging in with their credentials. This collaboration with Sonos expands the accessibility of Audiobooks.com, which is already available on platforms such as Android Auto, CarPlay, tvOS, and select GM, Jaguar, and Land Rover infotainment systems.


2016. Findaway launched new audiobook app - Duobook



Findaway, recognized as the world's largest audiobook distributor, powers the audiobook collections of renowned platforms like Nook Audiobooks, Scribd, and many others. Recently, the company has introduced an innovative app named Duobook, indicating a potential shift in their direction. DuoBook serves as a comprehensive audiobook player and eBook reader within a single application. Its standout feature lies in its ability to synchronize the eBook and audiobook experiences, ensuring a seamless transition between formats without losing one's progress in the story. For instance, you can listen to the audiobook during your commute and effortlessly switch to reading the eBook at night. DuoBook intelligently remembers your position in the story, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off, maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted reading experience.


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. Barnes & Noble released Nook Audiobooks app



Barnes and Noble is placing a strong emphasis on audiobooks with the launch of their Nook Audiobooks App for iPhone and iPad, accompanied by a dedicated website, NOOKAudiobooks.com. Designed to work in tandem with the apps, the website offers customers convenient online access to a vast selection of over 60,000 audiobooks, ensuring they can enjoy their listening experience from any location. The app provides customers with the option to purchase audiobooks directly through the app, eliminating the need for a subscription. Additionally, the app enables users to explore free samples of any audiobook, allowing them to preview the content before making a purchase. Barnes and Noble's commitment to the world of audiobooks is evident through these new offerings, providing enhanced accessibility and choice for audiobook enthusiasts.


2015. Amazon Echo adds audiobooks support



Amazon has introduced a new update for their smart assistant, Amazon Echo, which now includes support for audiobooks. This update enables the Amazon Echo to read audiobooks aloud, allowing users to enjoy both Audible books and titles from Kindle Unlimited. Whether through the Amazon Echo device itself or the Amazon Echo App, users have control over playback functions such as play, pause, and navigation within the audiobook. Additionally, Amazon Echo incorporates Whispersync for Voice, a feature that remembers the current playback position in the audiobook. This allows users to seamlessly transition between listening to an audiobook on Amazon Echo and continuing from where they left off by reading or listening to the same title on a compatible Fire or Kindle device, Kindle reading app, or Audible app, without losing their progress.


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. Nook launches Audiobook app for Android



To enhance its offerings, Nook has launched an audiobook app specifically designed for Android users. As an added bonus, first-time downloads of the app will include two free audiobook titles for a limited time. The new NOOK Audiobooks App provides a seamless shopping experience, making it easy for users to explore and purchase high-quality audiobooks for both adults and children at affordable prices. Users can also enjoy free samples of a wide selection of titles to help them make informed choices. Notably, Scribd recently integrated audiobooks into its subscription ebook platform, aiming to rival Amazon's Audible. By encouraging ebook readers to engage with more audiobooks, Scribd recognizes the potential synergy between these two markets.