Spotify is back in the headlines, and this time it has nothing to do with subscription price hikes. A newly discovered feature suggests the streaming giant is preparing to significantly upgrade its audiobook experience.
According to a recent report, Spotify is working on a tool called Page Match, designed to seamlessly sync audiobooks with physical books.
The upcoming Spotify Page Match feature aims to bridge the gap between listening and reading. With this tool, users will be able to take a photo of a page from a physical book using their smartphone. Spotify will then analyze the image and instantly jump to the exact same point in the audiobook version. This means listeners can effortlessly switch between reading a printed book and continuing the story in audio form without losing their place.
What makes Page Match even more impressive is that it works both ways. Not only can users move from a physical book to the audiobook, but they can also check which page in the printed book corresponds to their current position in the audiobook. This bidirectional syncing could be especially useful for readers who like to alternate between listening during commutes and reading at home.
The feature was reportedly discovered within the code of Spotify’s latest app version. While Page Match is not yet active for users, in-app references and screenshots strongly suggest that Spotify is actively developing it and planning a future rollout. As of now, there is no official launch date, but its presence in the app code indicates it may arrive sooner rather than later.
It’s worth noting that Spotify Page Match will only work if users already own or have unlocked the audiobook on Spotify. Additionally, the feature will be limited to regions where Spotify currently offers audiobooks, which includes select markets such as the US and parts of Europe.
Interestingly, Amazon already provides a somewhat similar experience through its Whispersync technology. However, Amazon’s solution only syncs between audiobooks and ebooks, not physical printed books. Spotify’s approach could therefore offer a unique advantage by integrating real-world reading with digital audio.
If launched widely, Page Match could make Spotify’s audiobook platform far more appealing to book lovers who prefer a flexible, hybrid reading experience.