What to know
-
Audible launches “Read & Listen” (formerly Whispersync for Voice) in its app, highlighting ebook text as the audiobook narrates.
-
Users need both ebook and audiobook versions; discounted audiobooks available for Kindle owners.
-
Supports hundreds of thousands of titles in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French; starts in US, expands to UK, Australia, Germany soon.
-
Research shows dual reading-listening doubles content consumption and improves retention.
Audible has introduced Immersion Reading directly in its app. Tap “Read & Listen” above the audiobook cover to display synced Kindle ebook text, with words highlighting in real-time to match narration. Switch modes anytime without losing progress across devices.
This builds on Kindle’s existing tool but centralizes everything in Audible for easier access. The app auto-detects matching titles in your Kindle library via a dedicated filter.
Immersion Reading to enhance focus
Combining visuals and audio keeps attention sharp, per industry studies and Audible data. Dual users consume nearly twice the monthly content versus audio-only.
Over 90% in a US survey agree it boosts cognitive retention—ideal for language learners, students, or fantasy fans needing pronunciation cues. Narrators like favorites add engagement over basic Alexa reads.
Availability and requirements
Rollout for Immersion reading in Audible app begins in the US now, with UK, Australia, and Germany next. Hundreds of thousands of titles qualify at launch across multiple languages.
You’ll need to own both formats via Audible and Kindle accounts. Buy matching audiobooks at discount if you have the ebook; no royalty changes for publishers.
If you do not meet the requirements, or if the feature isn’t available in your region, check out our guide on How to Read and Listen to Book at Same Time on Kindle.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Ebook + audiobook (Whispersync-compatible) |
| Devices | Audible app; syncs with Kindle |
| Languages | English, German, Spanish, Italian, French |
| Regions | US first; UK/AU/DE soon |
Audible flips the script by embedding ebook display in its own app, not just Kindle. Previously, Kindle handled syncing, but now everything is consolidated in one interface for fluid switches. This counters Spotify’s “Page Match” camera-sync test, locking users deeper into Amazon’s ecosystem with pro narration over AI.
Expect broader rollout and more titles soon. Dual-format fans stand to gain the ultimate edge with retention and speed. Try out the feature yourself to get the same level of immersion.
