As Spotify users prepare for another subscription price increase, avid readers can look forward to some exciting new features that may soften the impact.
Recently, Spotify unveiled a series of updates for its audiobook segment, including its foray into the realm of physical books. Users in the United States and the United Kingdom will soon have the ability to buy hard copies of their favorite audiobooks directly through the app, representing a significant shift for the platform, which was initially focused solely on digital content.
In addition to this, the company has rolled out two innovative features aimed at improving the audiobook experience. One of these is called "Page Match," which enables users to scan a page from a physical book and seamlessly transition to that moment in the audiobook.
Moreover, "Audiobook Recaps," a feature previously exclusive to iOS, will be available on Android devices this spring. This function offers concise summaries tailored to the last section users were listening to.
Spotify's initiative to sell physical books positions it as a contender against major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The company acknowledges the ongoing appreciation for physical books among readers, and by providing both print and digital options, Spotify aims to become a comprehensive hub for book enthusiasts.
In collaboration with Bookshop.org, an online marketplace that champions local, independent bookstores, Spotify's new offering is excellent news for these indie sellers, as every purchase made through the app will directly support local book communities.
This feature will be available this spring, appearing on audiobook pages as a button labeled "Add to your bookshelf at home." Clicking this will redirect users to Bookshop's platform, which manages pricing, inventory, and shipping.
To enhance the transition between formats, Spotify is also launching the Page Match feature, which is currently accessible to premium subscribers and will be available to all audiobook users by late February. This tool allows users to scan a page from either a physical or digital book using their smartphone camera. The feature analyzes the content and directs users to the corresponding spot in the audiobook, utilizing a blend of Spotify's proprietary and third-party computer vision technologies.
Users can easily switch between reading and listening by selecting the "Scan to Listen" button or returning to the physical book with the "Scan to Read" option, ensuring a smooth experience whether at home or on the move.
Currently, Page Match supports a wide range of English-language titles, with plans for further expansion. The platform boasts over 500,000 titles available.
Since Spotify introduced audiobooks two years ago, the platform has seen remarkable growth. Recent reports indicate a 36% increase in audiobook listeners and a 37% rise in listening hours over the past year, with more than half of Spotify's 281 million premium subscribers engaging with audiobooks.
Spotify is set to announce its fourth-quarter earnings results on February 10.