08-27-2012, 12:26 PM | #1 |
doofus
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An idea for Amazon
IIRC Amazon owns audible. I think they should give the option to pair ebooks and audiobooks. When you buy both, your kindle reader can read to you using the audiobook instead of TTS
There are several advantages for the user: 1/ you can read the text along with the audiobook (the text and audio will synch of course) This will be very useful for language learners. 2/ when you need to go back, it's much easier to visually find your place than with an audio player, where you have to guess and rewind. 3/ you can glance at the text when you miss something. This helps with unfamiliar or foreign names or words 4/ you can either listen or read, whichever is more convenient at the moment. Many people prefer to read, but they can't always do it e.g. commute. Technically, I guess they will need to add metadata to map ebook location and time code in the audiobook. Storage space may be a problem. Audio may have to be downloaded by chunks on demand. Pricing will be tricky. Is there a demand for this? Is there enough overlap b/t readers and audiobook listeners? I don't know. |
08-27-2012, 12:38 PM | #2 | |
Lunatic
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Quote:
Audiobooks are a small niche market and many people listen to audiobooks when driving or exercising, ie. when they can't physically read a book. Where your idea might be useful is for language learning materials specifically, but the TTS already available probably does this well enough. |
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08-27-2012, 01:42 PM | #3 |
Treasure Seeker
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I have found in audiobooks alot of narrators improvise and do not read word for word. I have caught a couple even correcting grammar and some leaving out entire scenes! I read along with my audiobooks if I own a ebook or physical copy.
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08-27-2012, 02:17 PM | #4 |
Grand Sorcerer
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Multitasking!
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08-27-2012, 02:21 PM | #5 |
Treasure Seeker
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No worries I don't drive at all. I listen to Audiobooks when my neighbors are being annoying which is about every day. It saves me from banging on the wall or pulling my hair out.
Today is my Audible credit day! I just love how they send you a email telling you that. |
08-28-2012, 08:35 AM | #6 |
Wizard
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I think this is a great idea! I think it would be especially nice with children's books (in this case a cool feature for the Kindle Fire). I used to listen to books on tape all the time as a kid.
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08-28-2012, 10:47 AM | #7 |
Wizard
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This would be extremely useful for language learners. I'm sure I'd use it in that way.
Of course, it doesn't have to depend on Audible. It would be open to any enterprising firm to seek a deal with a book publisher, to produce an audio version designed especially for the language learning market. There would be lots of advantages. Mike |
08-28-2012, 12:37 PM | #8 |
Spork Connoisseur
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I like the idea. It'd be a nifty little option for people who are into both text and audio books.
And, for language learning, this would be great. |
08-28-2012, 05:17 PM | #9 |
affordable chipmunk
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lazy people
still, it's invariably the future: AIs reading and writing for you, thus allowing very low-bandwidth communication and at the same time comfort for the analphabet population. |
08-28-2012, 05:49 PM | #10 |
Carpe diem, c'est la vie.
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Especially when you type with your low-dexterity thumbs. Sadly, I hear voices in my head when I read, which really limits my bandwidth even for text. I *can* speed-read, but I have always found it to be very unpleasant. I like to daydream and explore the virtual environment inside my head while I read. Low bandwidth, but more "rich".
Last edited by geekmaster; 08-28-2012 at 05:52 PM. |
09-06-2012, 02:28 PM | #11 |
Wizard
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And it's now reality!
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09-06-2012, 02:40 PM | #12 |
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°){ʇlnɐɟ ƃǝs}Týr
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dah dah *does fanfare noise*
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09-06-2012, 02:59 PM | #13 |
Wizard
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Not really a fan of audio books.
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09-06-2012, 03:39 PM | #14 |
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09-06-2012, 03:39 PM | #15 |
Wizard
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Man does Barty get the best customer service OR WHAT?????
It's like he had a direct line to Bezos. |
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