Amazon-owned Audible has started putting ads in audiobooks, potentially indicating a sea change within the industry. The company says it is “conducting limited testing” on a select user base with the advertisements and that this step is currently reserved for non-paying members, giving them “ad-supported access to a limited set” of titles. For now at least, paying subscribers seem immune to the change.The ads pop up while listening to traditional audiobooks, podcasts and Audible original content. The company says the providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. Audible notes that a maximum of eight ads will play within a 24-hour period, regardless of what you are listening to. That isn’t so bad, but does set a troubling precedent for many ad-averse consumers.As to why this test was taking place at all, the company's help page offers nothing but empty buzzwords. “Audible is dedicated to continuously optimizing how we deliver audio programming to listeners everywhere,” it states. “From time to time, Audible tests new products and services to gain knowledge about the evolving needs of our customers and partners.” Thanks for clarifying!Does this mean an ad-supported subscription tier is forthcoming? Engadget has reached out to Audible for some clarification on this move but has yet to hear back. We will update this post when we do.Customers have long grown-accustomed to paying for audiobooks in exchange for a pure ad-free experience, but maybe... Continue reading at 'Engadget'
[ Engadget | 2023-03-30 18:54:46 UTC ]
Publication Date: Wed, 28/09/2011 - 15:20 Google is to support a new family arts and literature festival, which is taking place during autumn half term in London. The internet giant will make 300 tickets to main theatre events at Word Up! available to low-income families referred to organisers... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-09-28 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Michael Fitzpatrick Publication Date: Tue, 23/08/2011 - 08:26 A confusing maze of ebook stores, a difficulty in rendering text and high costs of purchase are dissuading Japanese customers from buying into ebooks. The chaotic melee now taking place in Japan, as publishing makes room... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-08-23 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Publication Date: Mon, 16/05/2011 - 08:50 A team of volunteers has set up the UK's first festival devoted to Animal Farm author George Orwell. Taking place from 9th-18th September in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, the George Orwell Festival is being run by volunteers including representatives from... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-05-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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This year's London Book Fair is taking place at a time of unique change. The shift from the printed word to the downloaded text is accelerating; chains and standalone bookstores are closing down around the world; and the very future of the book "entity" is being challenged by commentators and... Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2011-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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