Spotify is testing a new feature called Page Match that could allow listeners to sync audiobooks with physical books, making it easier to switch between reading on paper and listening without losing space.
According to Android Authority, Page Match is designed to sync the progress of print books, eBooks, and audiobooks. If you’re reading a physical book and want to switch to audio, you can use your phone’s camera to scan the page you’re currently on.
The feature uses optical character recognition (OCR) to identify the text and skip the audiobook to the appropriate section. What’s impressive is that Spotify’s code suggests the feature would also work in reverse, displaying the page number that corresponds to your current audiobook position.
How Spotify could change the way we listen to audiobooks
Page Match would require users to own both the audiobook on Spotify and either a print or e-book version of the same title. With this feature, you don’t have to search through audiobooks to find the right chapter or paragraph.
However, differences between book editions could complicate matters, and it’s not yet clear how Spotify would handle this. Spotify also prompts users to scan a nearby page if the text cannot be positively identified, suggesting that the OCR system is still being refined.
Amazon already offers a similar feature called Whispersync for Voice, but it’s limited to syncing Audible audiobooks with Kindle eBooks. No physical books or eBooks from other platforms are supported.
This is where Spotify’s approach could excel, especially for readers who like to switch between formats while commuting, cooking, or doing housework. However, Page Match has not been officially announced and there is no guarantee when or if it will launch publicly.
If Page Match launches, it could quietly solve one of the biggest annoyances with listening to audiobooks by allowing people to switch naturally between reading and listening without interrupting their reading flow.
While Spotify recently increased the price of its Premium subscription, the company is also introducing new features, including tools that make your listening activity more visible to friends and Prompted Playlists that let you tell the app exactly what kind of music you want to listen to.
