Joining the likes of Apple and Amazon, Google has finally added Audiobook content in
Google Play, side by side with eBooks. Most users visit the PlayStore just to download and update apps, while missing out on other great contents like music, movies, eBooks, and now Audiobooks.
Audiobooks are great ways to engage with written content, especially when you are not disposed to read an actual book, or when you are on the move. Audiobooks purchased on the Google Play Store will be available on Android, iOS, desktops, and also Google Assistant, and Google Home.
As a launch gift, Google is allowing users listen to Audiobooks, without having any subscription to any Audiobook service. Once purchased, the book will be available to listen to, across all Google platforms, including the web, Google Play Books app on Android and iOS, Chromecast, Google Home, Android Wear and Android Auto. Your listening progress will be synced across all your devices, so you can start on one device, and pick it up later on another one. You can also tell Google Assistant on any of the devices to play your audiobook and it will start playing the last one you played from where you left off. You can also ask questions about the book you are currently reading, or set a timer for when the playback should stop.
According to Google, Audiobooks will be available in 45 countries and in nine languages. Audiobooks can be purchased from the Google Play Store on the web and on Android. iOS will be able to play audiobooks from the Google Play Books app, but can only purchase them from the web. You also get to preview an Audiobook before purchase, and you can share your favourite book with friends or to a dedicated Family Library at no extra cost.
