Audible has added a Read and Listen feature to its app that syncs up the audio narration and text while you're reading a book. It'll be available for those who have Audible and Kindle ebooks and audiobooks in their library, it was announced on Wednesday.
If you own both the audiobook and ebook versions of a title, the new feature will let you read along as the audiobook plays and the text being read is highlighted -- much like how karaoke appears on a screen when you're singing along. An Audible spokesperson told CNET, "Our data shows that customers who currently listen while reading along are among Audible's most engaged users, consuming nearly twice as much content per month as audiobook-only customers."
Audible hopes to help readers connect with books in a more flexible format with this option, and it's also intended to make reading more accessible for those with dyslexia, low vision, ADHD and more. Some research suggests that reading and listening simultaneously can improve your ability to comprehend and retain information.
The Read and Listen library will have books in various languages, including English, Spanish and French. You'll receive discounted audiobooks if you already own the ebook version of a title.Â
"Read and Listen gives book lovers the best of both worlds," Andy Tsao, chief product officer at Audible, said in a statement, adding that you could use the feature to help learn a new language or study for school.
This feature is already available through the Kindle app as part of its Voice experience, but this is the first time Audible is adding it to its library. Both Kindle and Audible are owned by Amazon. The new feature is now available on the Audible app in the US, but won't debut until later in the year in the UK, Australia and Germany.
Prior to this integration, CNET writer Blake Stimac experimented with AI chatbots to vibe code an e-reading application with a similar feature.
Correction, Feb. 20: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the availability of the Read and Listen feature. It requires the user to have both Audible and Kindle versions of a book.