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50% off First Google Play Audiobook Purchase | Google Play

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50% off First Google Play Audiobook Purchase | Google Play
Go to Deal
ExtraSalt on 24/01/2018 - 08:12 play.google.com (565 clicks)
Last edited 24/01/2018 - 10:53

Finally it's here, Google's infamous Audiobook rumours have come into effect as of today. To gain traction in the market, they are doing a 50% off your first purchase….mine of which will be spent on a Lord of the Rings novel….naturally.

Decided to spend it on my boy Eddie Huang's book Fresh off the boat: A Memoir

T&C's
Valid for a 50% discount off the current store price of one audiobook on Google Play. Open to participants who have never purchased an audiobook on Google Play. Offer ends 26 February 2018. Discount applied at checkout. Redeem by 1 March 2018. Limit 1 per user. Valid in Australia only. Google Payments account required. Age restrictions apply. See Google Content Promotion Terms and Google Play Terms for more information. Promoter: Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA

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  • klaw81 on 24/01/2018 - 09:16

    Is it just me, or are these still quite expensive at 50% off?

    • onlinepred on 24/01/2018 - 12:02

      I guess it depends on what you are after. For example if I use Audible to buy the complete collection of Harry Potter, it would be $16.95 per book using the monthly credits - so I would have to wait 7 months and it would cost me 7*$16.95= $118.65. On Google Play the books are $10.95 (so $76.65) . Complete collection is $69.24.

  • neophyte2 on 24/01/2018 - 09:26

    Definitely still very, very expensive. I buy audible credits and they come out to around $5-$8 per audiobook. The same audiobooks I'd normally buy on audible I checked here and with 50% off they're still over $20.

    • jjcf on 24/01/2018 - 09:55
      +7

      I'm embarrassed both for you and of you.

    • andymatter on 24/01/2018 - 09:59
      +3

      Can you read a book when you are going for a walk? Going shopping? Driving? Doing housework?

      • Atazoth616 on 24/01/2018 - 10:44
        -6

        Going shopping? Doing housework?

        How long do you take doing these activities?

        Walk?

        Exercise should not take longer than 10 minutes.

        Or

        A person enjoying the outdoors should not really be listening to an audiobook.

        • otter-raptor on 24/01/2018 - 10:51
          +3

          "Exercise should not take longer than 10 minutes."

          "A person enjoying the outdoors should not really be listening to an audiobook."

          Who gets to decide these, you ??? Ridiculous BS comment.

          You may not have heard Michael Kramer's work, but it is wonderful, especially on long drives/commutes.

        • onlinepred on 24/01/2018 - 11:58
          +1

          A person can do whatever they like, and not have to follow your expectations. Not everyone is like your expectations FYI.

    • klaw81 on 24/01/2018 - 10:09
      +4

      I downvoted your comment for the "lazy Gen Z" generalisation, but perhaps an actual answer will help combat ignorance.

      Audiobooks are a great way to keep yourself entertained while doing something boring that still needs to your eyes and attention.

      My favourite use case is long-distance driving. Where listening to music tends to happen in 3-5 minute bursts that help you subconsciously keep track of time, an audiobook goes on for long periods without a break and you don't notice time passing. I've done 6 hour drives that feel more like 2 hours because I've been listening to a great story.

      • Atazoth616 on 24/01/2018 - 10:33
        -2

        Does listening to a book while driving not have an effect on concentration?

        Would this not make you a danger to other drivers?

        • ExtraSalt on 24/01/2018 - 10:37
          +2

          Does listening to music while driving affect your driving? How is listening to a soothing voice read out an interesting novel be any worse?

        • klaw81 on 24/01/2018 - 10:40
          +1

          Does listening to music or talking to a passenger have an effect on your concentration?

          To my mind, the answer is 'maybe'…..and it will depend on your state of mind, and the conditions you're driving in.

          I wouldn't listen to an audiobook when driving in the inner city, or during bad weather where conditions are poor - just like I tend to stop talking and kill the music in those same situations; you need a bit of spare mental capacity in those situations.

          But out on the open highway, on a long-distance trip, on a familiar road, an audiobook is wonderful.

        • Atazoth616 on 24/01/2018 - 10:53
          -3

          @klaw81:

          In that instance listening to an audiobook is acceptable.

          However, in my personal opinion, the full experience of a book only occurs by giving one's full attention which is difficult when driving.

        • Atazoth616 on 24/01/2018 - 10:56
          -3

          @andrgram:

          "Does listening to music while driving affect your driving? "

          That was where my logic was be surmised from, genius.

          Obvious strawman.

        • andymatter on 24/01/2018 - 11:38
          +3

          @Atazoth616: Hey everyone! Atazoth616 has deemed that in a particular instance, listening to an audiobook is acceptable. Thank you for your shrewd and prudent judgement in this instance.

        • onlinepred on 24/01/2018 - 11:57

          @andymatter: We got there eventually!

        • Atazoth616 on 24/01/2018 - 19:46
          +1

          @OnlinePred:

          The original premise held no notation to the existence of instances in which listening to audiobooks would be deemed acceptable.

          Rather that people listening to audiobooks, especially those from that z generation, are doing so primarily for lazy reasons.

          Sadly, the point was skewed by lazy strawman arguments and has has yet to be confirmed.

          Hell, if I could verify the claim I would ask a people from the z generation to list any book they have read recently under their own pretences.

        • onlinepred on 24/01/2018 - 20:44
          +1

          @Atazoth616: Nothing to do with generations lol. My blind grandmother loves audiobooks. I listen to audiobooks on my 1hr commute to work. ; Think because for some reason you have a personal grudge against audiobooks you are voicing your stupid opinion for no reason whatsoever

        • Atazoth616 on 24/01/2018 - 22:57

          @OnlinePred:

          Once again certain instances exist where listening to audiobooks is perfectly acceptable.

          Although, this was not the premise of my original comment and any attempts to claim so are just strawman arguments.

          In addition, When was it stated that generation Z was the only generation to enjoy audiobooks?

          There was a generalisation that generation Z make up the main demographic of audiobook listeners.

          This generalisation is true as they comprise 45% of the audiobook listeners*.

          So there is that.

          Lastly, each person is entitled to an opinion so by resorting to Ad Hominems just shows you are an immature person.

          Thanks.

          *http://bit.ly/2F8yUzK

        • onlinepred on 25/01/2018 - 09:05

          @Atazoth616: Are implying that as technology changes, we should all just sit back and stay with the old tech? Whats wrong with listening to audiobooks? I mean seriously I have no idea what you are arguing about here at all. Who cares about the demographic. At least they are "reading" books. I mean is it lazy to watch TV? Is it lazy to watch a movie? Is it lazy to surf the web? Is it lazy to email rather than phone someone? The list goes on. And I suppose you are saying that every new technology is "lazy".

          "the full experience of a book only occurs by giving one's full attention which is difficult when driving." Also what audio books have you listened to? I very much doubt you have listened to anything by Stephen Fry. The experience that he offers narrating books is second to none, and adds to the story creating a fantastic atmosphere.

          It just seems that you are very emotional about reading a paper book vs other people enjoying books their own way.

          I'm not paying to see statistics, as in this case they show nothing, except perhaps older people are less likely to try new things. You could pull the same thing about using reddit, the internet, gaming etc. It just shows the obvious.

          Anyway, according to another random website, "Audiobook Listeners Are Affluent, Well-Educated and Avid Book Readers" (7500 sample size) —https://www.audiopub.org/uploads/pdf/2010ConsumerSurvey.pdf

        • Atazoth616 on 25/01/2018 - 18:17

          @OnlinePred:

          "Are implying that as technology changes, we should all just sit back and stay with the old tech?"

          This was never implied.

          "I mean is it lazy to watch TV? Is it lazy to watch a movie? Is it lazy to surf the web? Is it lazy to email rather than phone someone? The list goes on. And I suppose you are saying that every new technology is "lazy"."

          Again this was never implied.

          So stop using strawman arguments they are bad because they do not
          dispute claims.

          "I very much doubt you have listened to anything by Stephen Fry."

          Does QI count?

          "Anyway, according to another random website, "Audiobook Listeners Are Affluent, Well-Educated and Avid Book Readers"

          That is a self-published study by an audiobook company.

          The study holds no more weight than a paper on climate change published by a forestry corporation.

          In fact here is a blog from the same site.

          This blog references academic papers that state audiobooks provide a sub experience when compared to that actually reading a book.

          The author than voices her own opinion on how the papers are wrong.

          https://bookriot.com/2014/03/12/audiobooks-worse-real-books-…

        • onlinepred on 25/01/2018 - 21:26
          +1

          @Atazoth616: I'm glad you are sointerested in audiobooks! Spread the word!

    • et tu brute on 24/01/2018 - 20:27

      Duh! - Ever heard of "Visually Impaired" people (or "Blind"for the totally ignorant)

  • mavis30551 on 24/01/2018 - 10:00

    I pay $15 per Month for Audioble membership, is there a cheaper way?

    • 3 on 24/01/2018 - 10:11
      +1

      Cheapest credits are on the US site with the 24 credits annual subscription. Works out at USD$9.50 ~ AUD$12 per credit + GST. There was a deal a little while back for 12 credits for USD$99 which is the cheapest I've seen them.

      In addition you can pick up good titles during sales, via whispersync, and the daily deal. If you cancel your subscription, you will be eligible for the introductory promos (1st book free or first 3 months for 50% off) after some period (6 months maybe).

      • mavis30551 on 24/01/2018 - 10:41

        I cant see me listening to 24 books in a year. Do you get to keep them after a year?

        Do you have a link I can look for? is this through a VPN to connect to Amazons audio book or another site?

        Thanks for your help BTW.

        • 3 on 24/01/2018 - 10:50
          +1

          You get to keep the titles, but I think you need to spend the credits within that year - so you could sign up for one year, buy 24 titles, then cancel and listen to them over a few years say.

          It's called the Platinum Annual plan http://audible.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4665/~/w…

          You don't need a VPN, but they have started restricting access to certain titles for users outside the US. Unfortunately the selection on the .au site isn't great either so sometimes it's good to have both. When you sign into the app on your phone you need to choose which domain you're signing into (.com or .com.au etc).

        • mavis30551 on 24/01/2018 - 11:45

          @3:

          That link is handy.

          Looking at the table , I can save $41.90 Per year by getting the gold annual membership - With 6 credits rolling over the next year.
          I wonder if that means if you renew that means you get 18 credits (6 rolled over) and/Or if it expires you keep 6 credits (max)

          Might look out for a sale on that deal. - I think the Platinum membership would be a bit overkill (12 roll over though)

        • 3 on 24/01/2018 - 12:14
          +1

          @mavis30551: In general, Audible limits you to a max of 6 credits on an active membership. They obviously make an exception when you purchase the annual membership and get 12/24 credits in one go - but I would read this to mean that you can roll over 6 to the next year (assuming you continue your subscription). So you would have 6 for the first year and then 18 for the next.

      • SaberX on 25/01/2018 - 03:17

        never used audible before, but this 'credit' system, so is a 24 credits anual subscription mean 1 book per credit that you get to redeem? and you would have to fool the site into assigning you an US subscription as opposed to aus based?

        • 3 on 25/01/2018 - 06:48

          Yes, one book per credit - although for books who's price is less than $12 you be better off buying them with cash.

          I'm not sure about fooling the system. When I joined they hadn't launched .com.au so joining the .com was the only way. I don't think they stop you joining though - just some of the books aren't available.

    • webified on 24/01/2018 - 17:21
      +1

      I saw this on Reddit in a thread this morning about Google Play Audio. I don't have a link to that but here's the post I passed on to someone else:

      "Pro tip—some audible books are DIRT CHEAP if you buy a kindle book first. There is a check box when you’re purchasing the kindle book to add the audio book for a couple bucks.

      Like $27 for the audiobook by itself vs. $6.99 for the kindle book + $2.99“narration” at check out. A lot of times I can get the Kindle +Audio book for $11-12 all in. Plus, they’ll sync together.

      I’ve only come across a few books that I’ve wanted that were significantly cheaper when bundled"

      • 3 on 25/01/2018 - 06:53

        Yes it's called Whispersync and is occasionally cheaper to buy eBook+audiobook than just audiobook alone. I have a collection of ebooks I've never touched for this reason. The audiobooks are still provided by audible so there's no difference from that perspective. Note that you have to buy the ebook first to get the discount, otherwise you'll end up paying full price for both.

  • paulbrown073 on 24/01/2018 - 11:26
    +2

    if you have a google home/mini it will read the audio-book to you https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/google-launches-a…

  • SaberX on 24/01/2018 - 13:26

    Just wondering are audio books from google or even audible a file you can download physically i.e. to your computer and transfer on usb etc? Sort of like an ebook file?

    And can you resell these or is it like digital ps4 games?

    Just curious as even with ebooks these days if you buy a book off google does it come out in epub or some other downloadable format? Ive been using bookbub for deals and buying via Amazon but just curious how other platforms for same book title work - kobo vs google etc.

    Having an android phone I'm tempted to try google books over kindle. But given you can just download the kindle or kobo reader am curious how this all works in terms of downloadable files or if it's all locked within the native apps for reading and downloading?

    • et tu brute on 24/01/2018 - 20:40

      Like Apple iTunes et al.. they are subject to DRM (Digital Rights Management), plus when you read through the fine print of the TOC these titles are licence to use, not a purchase to own, and consequently are never transferable like almost all digital content. Digital content is not like physically owning a paperback book, audio book on cassette or CD, music CDs, DVD's etc. where you can lend, sell, or bequeath in your will. The rights to digital content will (unless otherwise specified) expire upon your own expiration (death) of the 'death' of the content owner who sold you the rights. Anyone still remember EzyVid.com.au which went belly up a couple of years back taking consumers (who "purchased" their) digital video titles with them to the grave.

      • SaberX on 25/01/2018 - 03:16

        Jeez. Sure isn't great then. I love physical books but i can see why digital books and audio books suit our busy tech paced lives these days. Still I find it abit unfair how you can buy and resell things like ps4 games, books etc, yet when you buy their digital version, typically only a fractionally cheaper if not similar in price, that you can't even resell it.

        So by DRM then I assume by buying a google play book it will be locked to google books? WIll it have a downloadable file which like amazon's kindle you could technically use calibre or the like to crack DRM? In which case the file becomes an universally readable ebook on other platforms? Or are you pretty much stuck to using google books to read google book purchases?

        • ExtraSalt on 25/01/2018 - 06:47

          I don't understand your issue sorry….whether the buyer chooses between Soft or Hard copy, the buyer has done just that…they have chosen the way the receive the information/item. Theres nothing fair or unfair about it. It's simply personal choice.

          If you want to use it on multiple platforms, itd be worth noting that you can use it on any android device where Google Play is available. If that isn't enough or you are in the APple ecosystem, then buy the books from the Appstore or download the Audible or Kindle app. The choice is yours…literally.

        • mavis30551 on 25/01/2018 - 11:49

          That's been the argument for Digital Vs Physical for ever.

          You don't really own it and cant resell it v's convenience.

          Fortunately you can pick which suits you better.

        • SaberX on 28/01/2018 - 15:41

          @andrgram:

          True - it is up to the individual. People may not think about it that in depth but I still think it is unfortunate that you can buy a physical copy and have the rights to resell it, but a digital copy locks you into say using only google play. LIke you said, there isn't an universal format to move from google to apple's ecosystem with the same book. YOu essentially buy a specific ecosystem book that you can't resell or transfer.

          I just think that the price therefore for those restrictions aren't proportionate to a physical book - but then again that's just me and my opinion/preference. For example a physical book may be $20. But quite often the audio or electronic book are close to the same price. Soe are nearly similar and others may be somewhat discounted i.e. $12-14. But i still feel like the price to electronically transmit the data is a fraction of printing and shippin physical books.

          Case in point - ps4 games are pretty much full price on their online game store but don't allow you the opportunity to physically transfer or sell it .

        • ExtraSalt on 29/01/2018 - 06:27

          @SaberX: oh so your beef is more toward the price difference rather than the process. Ye i get that…I also don't understand why some games/ebooks cost so much…games moreso than ebooks…although see a reasonable drop for ebooks, i guess both Google and Author & Publisher need to get paid. Soft copy games i have no idea what Playstation's strategy is…half the time its cheaper to buy physical games these days, and with that as you have said, you can then trade-in or on-sell.

        • SaberX on 30/01/2018 - 01:07

          @andrgram:

          well the process is somewhat correlated to the price to me. I guess ownership of physical books i feel should be priced accordingly higher than a digital version that disappears when you no longer use the account or medium i.e. kindle ecosystem.

          I agree they need to be paid, but in which case surely digital would be cheaper to product and 'send' than print… and so surely they could lower the prices, or at least let you resell digital content.

          and yeah.. agreed with ps4. i never buy digital. apart from space/tidiness it just doesn't make sense to me. and often physical games if you wait go on sale.

        • andymatter on 31/01/2018 - 22:36

          @SaberX: There would be a significant amount of work that goes into an audiobook. Finding/ hiring an actor or speaker. The speaker learning, and performing 8-30 hours of dialog. Hiring studio time. Sound engineering. Editing. And so on… This would add on significant costs on top of a normal book.

  • damoo on 27/01/2018 - 15:10
    +1

    I highly recommend the power of habit by charles duhigg.

    Best $3.50 you could spend- it's a fascinating book.

    • SaberX on 28/01/2018 - 15:42
      +1

      Think I have the physical book but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Saw it recommended by Noel Whittaker in his newspaper pieces several times. Maybe time to get the audio book to ensure i read it haha.

    • TheZohan on 29/01/2018 - 16:01
      +1

      Yeah, I've read this one and gifted it too, great book.

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