Audible has begun rolling out a new feature that allows users to follow audiobook narration with synchronized, word-by-word highlighted text—provided they already own the matching e-book in their Kindle library.
This requirement is a significant caveat: the feature, which Audible is calling Read & Listen, is available only to customers who hold both the audiobook in their Audible library and the corresponding e-book in their Kindle library. Audible does not bundle the two formats; users who own only the audiobook will need to purchase the e-book separately to access the feature.
The app automatically identifies which e-books in a user's Kindle library have matching audiobooks, and a dedicated library filter surfaces eligible titles. It does work with the free ebooks that users have access to as members of Amazon Prime, such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, for example, which will sync with the popular full-cast edition edition on Audible.
Similar functionality, dubbed Whispersync for Voice, has existed on Kindle devices for some time. Audible is now bringing it into its own app, consolidating the listen-and-read experience in a single interface. Users can switch between standard Listen mode and Read & Listen mode in real time, with narration and text remaining in sync throughout.
Audible chief product officer Andy Tsao said the company's own data supports the case for the feature. "Customers who currently listen while reading along are among Audible's most engaged users, consuming nearly twice as much content per month as audiobook-only customers," according to the press release. Tsao added: "Audiobooks count as reading. But now at Audible, you can read with your eyes too."
A U.S. survey cited by Audible found that more than nine in ten people who read and listen simultaneously agreed the practice improves cognitive retention and comprehension. The company said the feature is particularly suited to language learners and students.
The rollout is currently limited to the U.S., with the U.K., Australia, and Germany to follow in coming months. Audible said publishers will see no changes to existing royalty arrangements.
