Gizmodo: audible

Zune Getting Audible Audio Book Support As Literacy Sheds Another Tear

Jason Chen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Paul Thurrott of Microsoft loving fame got a confirmation email from Zune tech support that says Audible compatibility is coming soon. Hurray for people who love listening to words. Here's what the email said:

I understand that you have contacted us today in regards to whether or not the Microsoft Zune is compatible with our service. We have great news! After much anticipation, Audible and Microsoft have completed negotiations on making the Zune AudibleReady! While we do not have an exact date as to when the device will be officially AudibleReady, we expect to make the Zune compatible before years end. Our Device Center on our website will be updated upon the Zune becoming compatible, so please be sure to check there periodically.

Huzzah! No launch date, but it is coming soon. As in, 2008. Perhaps around the same time as new Zune models hit the market? [WinSuperSite]

Amazon Plans to Buy Audible

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:46:56 EST

It seems like a cozy fit: Amazon.com, the beloved mega bookseller, plans to by Audible.com, the biggest (only?) digital distributor of audiobooks. The news release itself describes the terms of the deal ($300 million in cash) but doesn't really outline Amazon's ultimate plans. Amazon does, notably, take this opportunity to plug the Kindle, giving us an idea that any refresh to the Kindle's OS will involve a more full-featured audio player. No word, however, on whether or not Amazon will insist its new subsidiary distribute files in DRM-free MP3. Wouldn't that be nice? [Amazon PR]

Microsoft Zune Has No Audible Support - Yet

Jason Chen — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 18:30:20 EDT

As of right now, it seems Microsoft and Audible haven't reached an agreement to allow the former's portable music players to play the latter's book-on-tape files. For those unfamiliar with the Zune (pictures and details here), it's a hard drive based music player from Microsoft that's launching this November. Audible is an online book store affiliated with Amazon, which only allows approved music players to play back their media files.

So far Microsoft hasn't gotten Audible's approval for their Zune, but they're still in talks. Even though we personally don't use Audible, we're sure it's a deal breaker for people who do. There's three months left until launch, so Microsoft has plenty of time to wave money in Audible's face to get them on board.– Jason Chen

Microsoft Zune will not support Audible.com audio books [Zunely]