Spotify is quietly developing a feature called “Page Match” that could fundamentally change how listeners experience audiobooks. The new capability, discovered within the Spotify app’s code by Android Authority, allows users to synchronize audiobooks with physical copies of books using their smartphone cameras. This means users can scan a page in a physical book, and Spotify will jump to the corresponding point in the audiobook.
How Page Match Works
The technology relies on optical character recognition (OCR), which scans the text on a page and identifies the matching timestamp within the audiobook. More impressively, the feature appears to work in reverse: users can also tap a point in an audiobook and have Spotify locate the corresponding page in their physical book. This two-way synchronization is not currently offered by other major audiobook providers.
Why This Matters
Currently, Amazon’s Audible service syncs audiobooks only with Kindle editions. Spotify’s Page Match offers broader compatibility by working with any physical book, regardless of where it was purchased. This removes a key barrier to entry for audiobook listeners who prefer physical copies or already own books they wish to consume in both formats.
The feature’s development is particularly notable given recent controversies surrounding Spotify, including price increases and debates over AI-generated music. Page Match could be a significant draw for users seeking a more versatile and immersive listening experience.
Availability and Future Outlook
There is no confirmed release date for Page Match, and it remains unclear if the feature will ultimately be launched. However, the presence of code references suggests the development is well underway. If released, Page Match could position Spotify as a leader in audiobook innovation, offering a unique and valuable tool for book lovers.
Spotify’s Page Match has the potential to bridge the gap between physical and digital reading, offering users a new level of flexibility in how they consume literature.
