Audible vs Bookmate

2024. Audible implemented AI-generated recommendations



Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook service, continues to experiment with AI to improve audiobook discovery and offer customized recommendations. The latest feature - AI-powered tags, which analyze customer feedback to offer suggestions according to individual preferences and topic pages that helps users to find similar audio books. The experiment is only available to USA users with iOS and Android devices. Through a new “Tags” carousel in the app, Audible’s AI analyzes customer reviews and briefly explains why other listeners enjoyed a specific audiobook. This allows you to quickly get to the point without having to read numerous reviews.


2024. Audible recruits actors to train voice-generating AI for audiobooks



Audible, Amazon’s audiobook division, revealed that it will develop AI trained on the voices of professional narrators to produce new audiobook recordings. A select group of audiobook narrators based in the U.S. will be invited to train the AI with their voices starting this week, according to Audible. The trained AI will be employed to generate recordings and narrators will have the opportunity to approve their synthetic voice for particular works, as well as modify the pronunciation and pacing. Audible states that narrators who engage in the program will be compensated for any audiobooks produced using their AI-generated voices on a title-by-title, royalty-sharing basis.


2024. Audible is testing an AI-powered search feature



In the sprawling, labyrinthine universe of audiobooks, where titles pile up like improbably verbose galaxies, Audible has unleashed "Maven," a shiny new AI-powered search contraption that aims to make sense of it all. Starting today—though only for a chosen few U.S. customers (roughly half, but who's counting?)—Maven acts as a delightfully well-read companion, offering personalized audiobook suggestions to those brave enough to type in natural language queries like, "I need an uplifting fiction novel with a female protagonist, please." Available on iOS and Android, this clever algorithm sifts through Audible's nearly one-million-title-strong catalog, though it’s currently dabbling in only a modest corner of the library. Think of it as a Hitchhiker's Guide to Audiobooks, but for now, only a few earthlings have a copy.


2024. New AI tool helps authors release more audiobooks on Amazon



In a corner of the publishing universe, where the improbable meets the ineffable, Audible has managed to conjure up a rather astonishing feat: an astonishing 40,000 audiobook titles narrated by voices that, rather suspiciously, aren’t entirely human. Thanks to a beta-stage contrivance courtesy of Amazon, self-published authors linked to the Kindle Store can now wave a metaphorical wand (or possibly just click a button) and see their words transmogrified into audiobooks at speeds that would make even the most caffeinated human narrator weep. It’s all frightfully efficient, though it does leave listeners in the existential quandary of wondering whether their soothing bedtime voice belongs to an AI or a human. Meanwhile, the future of human narrators teeters on a precarious edge, as authors save time, money, and perhaps a tiny slice of their souls.


2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



In a galaxy not so far away, Audible has flung open the doors of possibility for Android smartwatch users everywhere, releasing a Wear OS app that’s as close to magic as technology can get without actually summoning a wizard. This marvel allows intrepid audiobook explorers to download their treasured tales straight to their wrists, enjoy the fine art of audio at whatever tempo suits them, and even pluck stories directly from their personal library on a Galaxy Watch—no pesky smartphone required! With Audible on Wear OS, you’re free to wander, unshackled from your phone, basking in the glorious convenience of having a universe of books tucked snugly onto your wrist. Whether you’re boldly venturing out or simply refusing to pick up your phone, Audible has created a splendidly immersive way to slip into story worlds, 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 altering their app experience on the Android platform. They are transitioning to Google Play Billing, which will impact individual title purchases; you will no longer be able to buy them directly. Additionally, new Audible memberships will be billed through Google Play rather than directly through Audible. You will still be able to use Audible credits to purchase books within the app and can also acquire additional credits there. This change is due to a new Google Policy for developers, which now imposes a 30% fee on each digital good for larger companies that earn over $1 million annually.


2022. Audible ties up with Wattpad



Audible has teamed up with the online social reading platform Wattpad, according to Indianexpress. The partnership will make the most popular stories from Wattpad accessible to Audible members in audiobook format. The Amazon-owned platform intends to add more Wattpad titles throughout 2022. Additionally, the advantage for Audible members is that these stories will be available at no cost. Audible stated that they are investing heavily in the Indian market and believe that offering more regional language audiobooks and podcasts will help them reach a larger segment of the audience.


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



Mobile navigation app Waze, which provides driving directions, has integrated with Audible, enabling drivers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Audible subscribers can begin enjoying audio content directly within Waze, including Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts. Drivers can access over 600,000 Audible Originals and a vast amount of additional content. Waze already connects with numerous other audio apps, including Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, NPR and others.


2020. Audible is changing its subscription packages



Audible has introduced a new subscription package, Audible Plus, which will offer subscribers access to 68,000 hours of content from over 11,000 original productions, audiobooks and podcasts. The new plan will be available for $7.95 per month. They are also rebranding their Audible Gold program to Audible Premium Plus, which costs $14.95 per month. Essentially, Audible Plus will provide users with access to podcasts and original content but will not include credits. Current Audible members will be able to access the new Plus library starting today. New users will be able to subscribe to the Audible Plus service beginning August 27th.


2020. Audible updated library management on iOS



Audiobook service Audible has updated its library system in the iOS app. Users can now organize their audiobooks by genre or create custom collections. If you’re managing multiple audiobooks, you can now sort titles by listening status. The new “Titles” feature allows you to filter your titles into categories like started, not-started and finished. Books are automatically arranged by genre for effortless organization. You can also create your own custom folders and collections, naming them uniquely and adding titles for personalized organization. The new Favorites section provides easy access to your most frequently listened-to titles, allowing you to re-listen to them repeatedly.


2020. Audible is giving away hundreds of stories for kids



"For as long as schools are closed, we're open." That's Audible's new slogan, promising a significant impact in households around the globe. Audible has recently announced that hundreds of their child-friendly titles are available completely free of charge with no strings attached. There's no need to register or log in—just click the link and start listening. So, if your little ones are feeling restless and you don’t have time to read to them yourself, let Audible take over. There are stories suitable for all ages, from *Winnie-the-Pooh* for your young toddler to *The Mystery of Alice* for your tween. Additionally, there are numerous options in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese. You can stream all these titles on your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet.


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



Amazon's Audible is experimenting with Choose Your Own Adventure-style stories for Alexa devices by launching professionally narrated, voice-activated narratives in collaboration with the publisher of the original Choose Your Own Adventure book series, ChooseCo. You might recall ChooseCo from its lawsuit against Netflix over a *Black Mirror* episode. The company argued that Netflix didn't secure the appropriate license to use the “Choose Your Own Adventure” trademark. Nevertheless, ChooseCo appears to be leveraging the publicity and Netflix’s success in popularizing this interactive storytelling concept with a tech-savvy, younger audience.


2018. Audible brings its audiobook library to the Apple Watch



Amazon-owned audiobook platform Audible has just launched its Apple Watch app. You can listen to audiobooks and manage your library directly from the compact screen. It’s a logical advancement for the service, considering the emphasis Apple has placed on smartwatch audio, with last year’s introduction of an LTE version of the watch and the recent unveiling of a native podcasting app for the platform. This also contributes to justifying the recent addition of Aaptiv fitness routines, which Audible integrated a few weeks ago. The feature made some sense on the phone, but bringing the course directly to a fitness/health-oriented device like the Apple Watch helps complete that vision. Those workout and meditation resources are free to Audible users until September of next year.


2017. Kindle gets Audible audiobooks support



The entry-level 8th generation Kindle and the first generation Amazon Kindle Oasis have both received firmware updates that enable users to purchase and listen to Audible audiobooks using Bluetooth headphones. There is a new option that lets you switch from the Kindle bookstore to Audible, featuring a series of images promoting the updated bookstore. If you are an Audible subscriber, any audiobook purchased with your monthly credits will automatically sync to your Kindle’s library. The built-in audiobook player is feature-rich; you can skip forward or backward by fifteen seconds and adjust the pitch level. While listening to an audiobook, the Oasis shows the remaining time in a chapter and includes software-controlled volume buttons. A Bluetooth notification at the bottom of the screen indicates the device you’ve paired with the Oasis or provides instructions on connecting headphones or a wireless speaker.


2017. Audible launched new unlimited subscription service Romance



Audible Romance is a new unlimited subscription service that provides users access to thousands of audiobook titles. Listeners will be able to immediately view a romance title’s level of steaminess. It offers access to 41 micro-categories and 131 story and character archetypes, allowing users to delve deeply into the catalog in engaging ways and find the romance titles that best match their preferences. Each micro-category will feature its own browse page and listeners can preview audio samples from each title before committing to the full story. Audible Romance is priced at $6.95 per month as an add-on to an Audible membership, or $14.95 per month as a standalone service.


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



**Audible** has just introduced a new gifting feature that will enable you to share a single audiobook with your friends. Each recipient receives their first title for free and Audible will compensate authors, narrators and other rights holders the equivalent value of the title. If you are an Audible member and have purchased an audiobook, you can immediately send this book to your friends via email, text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp, compatible with iOS, Android and Windows 10 devices. If your friend is not an Audible member, they simply need to sign up for a free account to listen to the book you shared with them.


2016. Audible Clips allows to share audiobook passages



Audible launched a new feature called Clips. It enables you to share 45-second snippets of whatever you're listening to and is compatible with various platforms including Facebook and SMS. Listeners enjoy discussing books, authors and narrators they are enthusiastic about and Clips simplifies the process for customers to initiate meaningful conversations with friends and family directly from their audiobook whenever inspiration strikes. Clips can be shared across multiple channels including Facebook, Twitter, SMS, email, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and more. Authors and narrators can use this tool to increase visibility for their audiobooks.


2014. Ebook subscription service Bookmate launches iPhone, Android apps



Bookmate, the subscription-based social e-reading service, unveils a new reading app for iOS and Android. It features a social feed that allows users to follow their friends, favorite authors and celebrities on Bookmate, while also sharing their preferred books and passages. Users can also share books through Facebook, Twitter and the Russian social network VKontakte. Book discovery is further enhanced with recommendations based on bestsellers and popular books within the Bookmate community. The updated interface offers users a seamless and enjoyable reading experience across mobile, web and tablet platforms. By saving reading progress, Bookmate enables users to continue from the same spot when switching between devices. Books can be saved on devices for offline reading and users can customize the typeface, font size, background, text colors and contrast (including night mode) during reading.


2014. Bookmate - e-book subscription platform for emerging countries



Moscow-based startup Dream Industries has secured $3 million to advance its subscription-based social reading service Bookmate. The company aims to expand internationally from Moscow, beginning with Turkey, Scandinavia and Latin America. Bookmate is a subscription-based “social reading” service available on mobile, tablet and web platforms. It claims to have 1.5 million active monthly users. Unlike Amazon, Google Books, or iBooks, Bookmate is an open platform that connects publishers and readers directly. This allows publishers to access user behavior analytics and utilize promotional tools for direct marketing. As a result, they “own” their relationship with their readers—unlike the major players we are familiar with. This move is particularly intriguing, as emerging markets remain largely underserved by the largest players due to their reliance on extensive infrastructure that is often lacking in these regions.