Spotify is testing a feature that syncs audiobooks with paper editions

Spotify appears to be working on a novel feature that will allow audiobook listeners to pick up where they left off in the physical book. Android Authority reports that version 9.1.18.282 of the Spotify app includes code references to a Page Match beta feature that can quickly sync audiobooks on the platform with their paper and ebook counterparts.

Using Page Match will require users to unlock or purchase the audiobook on Spotify and own either the paper or ebook version of the same book. The feature works by scanning the page you’re currently reading with your device camera, using optical character recognition (OCR) to identify passages that are then matched to specific timestamps in the audiobook.

The aim is to spare you from having to fast-forward and rewind manually, but it seems Page Match could also work in reverse. Code snippets suggest that Spotify will also display the page number that corresponds to your current audiobook position, making it easier for bibliophiles to quickly jump between listening and physical reading. This is backed up by Spotify’s own description of the feature, which can “match your progress from the book page to the audiobook — and back again.” Page numbers can vary by book edition, however, which could cause some complications.

Spotify has yet to announce Page Match, so there’s no guarantee that it’ll roll out publicly. The OCR for Page Match also isn’t always reliable, with Android Authority reporting that Spotify will ask you to scan a nearby page if it’s unable to identify the passage you’re reading.

Amazon has a similar feature called Whispersync for Voice that synchronizes Audible audiobooks with Kindle ebooks, but that solution doesn’t support syncing with paper books or ebooks on other platforms. Page Match doesn’t have those limitations, which could make it easier for people to put down their physical books and continue listening while driving, cooking, and doing other hands-on activities — something I do regularly to remain productive.