Apple has fired over 100 News+ and Books team employees this week. The affected people worked in Senior Vice President Eddy Cue’s services group. According to a Bloomberg report, most layoffs were on the Apple Books team, which has become less of a priority for the company, and it doesn't see it as a significant part of its services lineup. The Apple Books app has become … [Read more...] about Apple culls 100 Employees from Apple Books and News+ Division
Audiobook News
US Publishing Revenue Generated $29.9 Billion for 2023
Publishing revenue in the United States generated 29.9 billion dollars in 2023 for books, course materials, audiobooks, and ebooks. This is a minor 0.8% decline compared to the final stated numbers for 2022. However, it is a 6.1% increase over the pre-pandemic figure of $28.2 billion in 2019. In the industry overall, digital formats accounted for 16% of all revenue for 2023, … [Read more...] about US Publishing Revenue Generated $29.9 Billion for 2023
Apple Podcasts now available in a browser
Apple Podcasts is likely the most extensive network for this sort of audio experience. In the past, the only way to access it was via iTunes or the dedicated app for Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. However, accessing all your saved podcasts, discovering new ones, or listening via a new web app is becoming more accessible. For the first time, Apple Podcasts users can … [Read more...] about Apple Podcasts now available in a browser
Audible has a new AI-powered search feature
Audible is beginning to roll out a beta test of the first AI-powered audiobook search feature, Maven, allowing customers to instantly search Audible’s unparalleled catalog. While in beta, the feature will reach half of U.S. customers across iOS and Android, and Audible is excited to improve the product based on their feedback. This innovation in the audiobook category will … [Read more...] about Audible has a new AI-powered search feature
Scribd introduces Ask AI Beta feature for audiobook and ebook recommendations
Scribd and Everand have just rolled out a new beta feature called ASK AI. With the new feature, users can quickly pull essential info from documents on Scribd, saving time on lengthy research. On Everand, Ask AI can recommend e-books and audiobooks, enabling a more personalized experience. Ask AI is currently available to select users across the web, mobile web, and mobile … [Read more...] about Scribd introduces Ask AI Beta feature for audiobook and ebook recommendations
AudioUK Seeking Tax Reliefs for Audiobook Segment to Expand in the UK
AudioUK said they are conducting a 'short and anonymized' survey to gather data, hoping it will help persuade the government to take adequate steps to see the podcast and audiobook segment expand and flourish in the country. The association for audio production companies in the UK said they are hoping the government will lend out the same levels of support it has offered to the … [Read more...] about AudioUK Seeking Tax Reliefs for Audiobook Segment to Expand in the UK
Audiobook Piracy becoming a major problem
Digital audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment, and in 2023, US revenue rose 9% 2023 and generated 2 billion dollars. Individual audiobooks are expensive; the average title is around $59.99, although most people borrow them from the library or subscribe to a separate streaming service such as Audible, Kobo, or Spotify. Since audiobook sales are expensive, it is driving … [Read more...] about Audiobook Piracy becoming a major problem
iPhone users in the EU are now able to easily pirate audiobooks and ebooks
Digital piracy on the iPhone is not very prevalent in the United States due to the sheer number of hoops users have to jump through. With recent changes to Apple's policies in the EU, though, it is now easier than ever to pirate audiobooks and ebooks. This is primarily attributed to the acceptance of BitTorrent clients. You might be familiar with the new EU rules. Apple now … [Read more...] about iPhone users in the EU are now able to easily pirate audiobooks and ebooks
Spotify Partners with Ingram to Add More Indie Titles to its Collection
Spotify has announced it has entered into a partnership with Ingram Content Group that will lead to more indie audiobook titles being available via the audiobook platform. This is expected to enhance Spotify's audiobook portfolio significantly considering that Ingram Content Group is considered one of the largest distributors for independent publishers and authors in the world. … [Read more...] about Spotify Partners with Ingram to Add More Indie Titles to its Collection
Audiobooks That Can Stand Toe-to-Toe With Original Paperbacks
Technology has taken us so far that it sometimes feels like we're already living in a dystopian future, the Sci-Fi books once predicted. Yet, society still preserves it, which is more advanced than ever. With so many novelties, it is hard to let go of some relics of old. While many believe no new technology will ever replace the paper copies of books and the feel of paper in … [Read more...] about Audiobooks That Can Stand Toe-to-Toe With Original Paperbacks