Audible's new feature syncs Kindle ebooks with audio playback

Audible has introduced an "immersion reading" feature within its app, enabling users to read ebook text simultaneously while listening to the audiobook. This "Read & Listen" mode highlights synchronized text in real-time, offering a blended reading and listening experience.

To use the feature, customers must possess both the Kindle ebook and the corresponding Audible audiobook. Audible will automatically identify eligible titles, which will initially include hundreds of thousands of books in multiple languages.

The company states that this integration can enhance focus and comprehension, citing research that suggests combined reading and listening leads to higher engagement. It is particularly beneficial for language learners or avid readers.

This new functionality brings a feature previously available in the Kindle app to Audible's platform. Amazon expects this to boost sales across formats, noting that audiobooks are considered a form of reading.

At launch, the feature is available in the U.S., with plans to expand to the U.K., Australia, and Germany in the coming months. Amazon has confirmed this will not affect publisher royalty payments.