Looking at the increasing inclination towards the use of voice commands and personal digital assistants, Google today announced the launch of audiobooks on the Google Play store in India. Users can now experience their favourite literature read out to them by instructing Google Assistant to read their book. From Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘Unaccustomed Earth’, to ‘Astrophysics For People In A Hurry’ by Neil Degrasse Tyson, to Chetan Bhagat’s ‘One Night At The Call Center’ and numerous others, the user can simply say “Ok Google, read my book”.
Audiobooks on Google Play is available in nine languages across 45 countries. Users can listen to their favourite audiobooks on Android, iOS and the web, as well as on devices that include the Google Assistant, like Google Home and many others (where available.)
Greg Hartrell, Head of Product Management, Google Play Books said “We are rolling out Google audiobooks today, for users who prefer books to be read out to them. The Google Assistant integration with audiobooks is available on Android, iOS, Chromecast, Android Wear, Android Auto or even your laptop.”
Here’s what you need to know:
- Listen without a subscription. On Google Play, you can buy a single audiobook at an affordable price, with no commitments. You can also get a free preview of the book to make sure you’re hooked on to the story and enjoy listening to the narrator’s voice.
- Enjoy your audiobook with your Google Assistant. Just say “Ok Google, read my book” to listen to your favourite audiobook hands-free with the Google Assistant on your phone or speaker, like Google Home. Try “Ok Google, who is the author?” if you need a refresher, or “Ok Google, stop playing in 20 minutes” to set a timer for bedtime reading. For now, the Google Assistant integration with audiobooks is available on Android phones and smart speakers globally in English.
- Weave reading into your day across multiple devices. Start your morning by listening to “Ready Player One” with the Assistant on your phone, and continue listening with the Google Play Books app on your tablet. You can pick up where you left off no matter what device you’re using, with the Assistant or the Google Play Books app—on Android, iOS, Chromecast, Android Wear, Android Auto or even your laptop.
Just long press on the Home button or say “Ok Google, read my book” to get started.
