Audio platform Audible's latest AI feature allows for polite interruptions during the reading of Jane Austen's works.
Audible, the leading provider of audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment, has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the listening experience for its users. The company has introduced a new feature called "Ask a Question" for U.S. listeners of the new Pride & Prejudice audiobook, marking a significant milestone in the world of audiobook technology.
This innovative feature allows users to ask questions about the book's plot, characters, or context without pausing the playback. The AI expert responds with concise answers based on both the audiobook content and external context, ensuring that the narration continues uninterrupted.
The "Ask a Question" feature is a part of Audible's ongoing efforts to make audiobooks more interactive and engaging. It is designed to deepen immersion, not interrupt it, making it an ideal tool for those who want to delve deeper into the world of the book without disrupting their listening experience.
The feature is not limited to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and is available on many other public domain titles across the Audible catalog. It is currently in beta and available for thousands of classic and public domain titles on Audible.
Users can ask questions such as "Why is it such a big deal that he has no fortune?" or "Is this marriage normal for the time?". They can also ask questions about the year a scene is happening or confirm if a certain scene is where a character changes their mind, and receive answers before the scene ends.
The new feature keeps all responses within the app for convenience, allowing users to keep track of their queries and answers easily. It is the latest addition to Audible's suite of innovative features, which also includes the AI-driven audiobook discovery tool named Maven and the AI-powered narration tool.
However, the introduction of the "Ask a Question" feature raises philosophical questions about whether these kinds of tools devalue reading or outsource the learning one should do when reading old books. Regardless, Audible aims to keep users inside the novel even when they need to look outside it for an answer, ensuring that the magic of storytelling remains intact.
The AI tool delivers answers quietly, ensuring that the narration continues uninterrupted. This feature was first made available in the UK and is set to revolutionise the way users engage with classic literature on Audible. With the "Ask a Question" feature, Audible continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of audiobooks.
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