Google launches audiobooks on Play store

Mumbai: Looking at the increasing inclination towards the use of voice commands and personal digital assistants, Google on Wednesday announced the launch of audiobooks on the Google Play store in India.

Users can now experience their favorite literature read out to them by instructing Google Assistant to read their book, Google said.

Users can do so by simply saying “Ok Google, read my book”.

Audiobooks on Google Play, is available in nine languages across 45 countries. Users can listen to their favorite audiobooks across Android, iOS and the web, as well as on devices that include the Google Assistant, like Google Home and many others (where available.)

“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,” Greg Hartrell, Head of Product Management, Google Play Books said.

Like Apple`s iBooks and Amazon-owned Audible, there is no monthly subscription fee required to purchase audiobooks. 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.

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.