Audible’s new ‘Read & Listen’ feature syncs your Kindle ebooks with audiobooks

In a bold move to enhance the reading experience, Audible, the audiobook arm of Amazon, has introduced a groundbreaking feature called 'Read & Listen.' Announced on Wednesday, this new functionality allows users to synchronize their Kindle ebooks with audiobooks, enabling a seamless transition between reading text and listening to narration. This immersive reading feature is designed for those who own both the ebook and audiobook versions of a title within their Audible and Kindle libraries. While in 'Read & Listen' mode, the text is highlighted in real-time, perfectly syncing with the audio narration. Previously, a similar tool was available in the Kindle app, but this marks its debut in the Audible app. To utilize this feature, customers must purchase both formats of the book, although Audible plans to offer discounted audiobook options to those who already own the corresponding ebook. At launch, the 'Read & Listen' feature will support hundreds of thousands of titles across various languages, including English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French. Initially available in the U.S., the rollout will extend to the U.K., Australia, and Germany in the coming months. Audible aims to simplify the discovery of compatible titles by automatically identifying which Kindle ebooks have corresponding audiobooks in its app. Many users have previously relied on Alexa to narrate their Kindle books, though the AI's delivery can lack the engagement of a professional narrator. By offering a cost-effective way to access audiobooks when an ebook has already been purchased, Audible hopes to encourage more readers to explore both formats. Research suggests that combining reading and listening can enhance focus and comprehension, with Audible noting that users who engage in both activities consume nearly twice as much content monthly compared to those who only listen to audiobooks. This feature could particularly benefit students, language learners, and avid readers who frequently alternate between formats or prefer the nuance provided by a skilled narrator. 'Audiobooks count as reading,' stated Andy Tsao, Chief Product Officer at Audible. 'With Read & Listen, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—whether you’re studying, learning a new language, or simply immersed in a story.' Notably, this new feature will not affect the royalty payments to publishers, ensuring that the initiative remains beneficial across the board.