While reading a book has some kind of a romance to it that is unlike any, letting your ears do the reading has its own allure. Most are likely to have fond memories of listening to stories during bedtime which, at times, can be even more exciting than reading.Fortunately, technology has made it possible to relive that excitement anytime and anywhere with what has come to be … [Read more...] about Best audiobook apps of 2021
Audiobook News
Google has released some free audiobooks using new TTS system
In early December Google announced a new initiative that would be available to publishers. It would convert ebooks to audiobooks using a combination of text-to-speech and WaveNet-based natural voices that can handle complex names, dates, times, and other text authentically. Customizations that range from pitch to speaking rate and volume gain are available in the Cloud TTS … [Read more...] about Google has released some free audiobooks using new TTS system
The Best AudioBooks to Enjoy on Your Kindle this Year
Since the advent of the Kindle, it was geared towards reading ebooks. This all changed a couple of years ago when the latest generation models shipped with Bluetooth support for wireless headphones. Amazon then added an Audible selection to the Kindle Store, so it is now possible to buy and listen to audiobooks right on the Kindle, instead of relying on smartphone apps. Here … [Read more...] about The Best AudioBooks to Enjoy on Your Kindle this Year
ebook sales in the US were up 20.4% in October
Digital book revenues were up 20.4% for the month as compared to October of 2019 for a total of $96.9 million. On a year-to-date basis, ebook sales were up 16.5%, generating $956.3 million for the first ten months of 2020. This format has seen tremendous growth this year, as thousands of bookstores were closed during the global pandemic and people started to buy ebooks online. … [Read more...] about ebook sales in the US were up 20.4% in October
Google is going to convert ebooks to audiobooks
Major publishers are releasing more audiobooks than ever before. It is a costly endeavor, so only the most popular ones will be professionally narrated, since the costs are so high. Google recognizes that many frontlist and backlist titles will never be converted to a proper audiobook and they have developed a beta system that will employ AI and auto generated narrators. This … [Read more...] about Google is going to convert ebooks to audiobooks
Apple announces best audiobooks and ebooks of 2020
Apple has just shared their top picks of the best audiobooks and ebooks of 2020. The company has experienced an influx of sales, due to the global pandemic. The most popular books on the list, might be different, depending on what country you live in. The titles can be found in the Apple Books app for iOS or iPadOS.The most popular books of the year in the US included … [Read more...] about Apple announces best audiobooks and ebooks of 2020
The best places to download free audiobooks in 2020
There is no shortage of online retailers that allow you to subscribe and download audiobooks. Some of the most popular are Audible, Scribd, and Storytel. What if you are on a budget or do not want to pay for audiobooks? There is plenty of options to download them for free. You can get a digital public library card or access Librivox.Overdrive/LibbyThe most popular … [Read more...] about The best places to download free audiobooks in 2020
Audible bows to publisher pressure on audiobook return policy
Audible has a return policy, where people can return audiobooks and get a credit refund, within 365 days. Audible then takes back the royalties they paid to the publishers. The Authors Guild has gathered thousands of signatures from publishers and writers. The letter was sent to CEO Bob Carrigan and general counsel member Stas Zakharenko to "immediately cease the practice of … [Read more...] about Audible bows to publisher pressure on audiobook return policy
Audible makes iOS Player better for listening to podcasts
Audible has been slowly been adding more functionality for the iPad and iPhone for listening to podcasts. They recently added almost 100,000 of them to their service and want to make it easier for people to enjoy them. They have introduces Time Recalculation based on Narration Speed and Continuous Playback is now available to all customers for podcast episodes. Due to podcasts … [Read more...] about Audible makes iOS Player better for listening to podcasts
J.K. Rowling Ickabog Audiobook, ebook and hardcover now available
Earlier this year, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling wrote a serialized novel called the Ickabog in 34 installments. You can read The Ickabog for free online via the official website. It is ideal for mobile devices, tablets or your computer’s internet browser. The story is getting the audiobook treatment and Stephen Fry, who narrated all of the UK editions of every Harry … [Read more...] about J.K. Rowling Ickabog Audiobook, ebook and hardcover now available
Audiobooks sales in the UK will generate £164 this year
Digital and CD sales of audiobooks are poised to sell 22 million units by the end of the year and generate close to £164 million, up 12.3% from £146 million in 2019, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth. One of the big things that are fueling the growth are first time listeners, which will make up half of all of the audiobook sales in 2020.The Nielsen’s latest … [Read more...] about Audiobooks sales in the UK will generate £164 this year
