Spotify Develops Page Match for Cross-Format Book Sync

Spotify is developing a new feature called Page Match that would allow users to synchronize progress between physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks on its platform, according to an analysis of recent app code.

The feature, discovered in version 9.1.18.282 of the Spotify Android app, enables users to scan a page from a physical book or ebook using their phone's camera. The app then employs optical character recognition technology to identify the text and jump to the corresponding point in the audiobook. It functions bidirectionally: pausing an audiobook would display the matching page number in the physical or ebook version, helping users resume reading without losing their place. This addresses a common challenge for those who alternate between formats, particularly when combining print materials with audio.

Reports indicate the tool would require users to own or unlock the audiobook on Spotify first, ensuring compatibility only with titles available through the service. If the camera scan fails to capture text accurately, the app prompts users to try a nearby page. Availability would likely be limited to regions where Spotify offers audiobooks, such as the United States, United...