Audible - Kindle Syncing Trouble

[Loren]

I don't know if this is the place to put this but since Audible has been mentioned and does work with Kindle books I wanted to put it here. I have an audible account and am trying to read books and listen to them on my hour long commute each way. Lately I'm noticing that no matter what, audible doesn't sync with my amazon reading. But it's only one way; if I listen to anything on audible than my paperwhite or my iPad sync instantly. But when I do it the other way around audible doesn't sync at all. Is there something I need to do differently??

[Tom]

I use the iOS app on my iPod Touch, and until the last update or two sync definitely had issues. For example it would prompt to go to a location earlier than the one I had established in the audible app, which is sort of a violation of the logic of sync.

Sync can only work if each device has an Internet connection at the end if each reading session. Otherwise the location cannot be logged to Amazon. Also you need to connect prior to the next reading session to download location updates. In the case of the Audible app, it is not sufficient to connect the device, you also have to run the audible app as it does not implement a notification mechanism that can receive location updates when the app is not running. On a device with a 3G/4g connection with something like continuous Internet connectivity sync should work a bit more seamlessly than on a wifi only device.

That said, even when these conditions were met, I had problems with sync until very recently, and while I cannot say there are no remaining problems it has been much better of late. It was as if they only tested without considering offline usage.

I also use the android app occasionally but not enough to know if it also has had problems. But it is rarely lacking an Internet connection

My impression is that the team that works on the audible app is not as gifted or endowed with testing resources as the kindle team and that it takes them a little longer to get things right.

[Geohueb]

Always start with the audible book. Even just for a few minutes. Then read then listen, things just seem to work better that way. Same for if you are on a mobile device and have to download chunks. Start each chunk in audible or have it downloaded before reading into a new chunk. Does that make sense?

[Loren]

It really is THAT much better when you start with audible??

[Len]

Good info, Tom and Geohueb. Thanks for posting your question, Loren!

[Tom]

There are still problems with sync even when one does everything possible to facilitate it. I still get prompted sometimes in Audible to jump back to an earlier position (which is a basic logic flaw), and even after tapping the 'sync device position' in Audible Settings, and then 'sync and check for items' on my Kindle, Kindle does not always pick up the new furthest page read. And I don't know how many updates for Audible iOS have mentioned 'improved sync'. The Android Audible app may be better in this respect but I don't use it much.

It does mostly work in 'sunny day' scenarios but that is not always what one is dealing with (not always connected to internet, switching between books while offline, etc.). They apparently don't have a good test plan to cover all of this.

[Loren]

I'll be starting a new book on audible and amazon in two weeks (once I'm done with the bloody PA Bar) so I'll try the suggestion to listen first on audible and go from there.

Other interesting note; audible on iPad doesn't speak with audible on Iphone or Kindle...at all.

[Kelly]

I can't find the sync button on audible. I want this so much to work! I feel like I'm missing something obvious. Any help appreciated! - Kelly

[Denise]

Kelly, when you are at the screen listing your books, you'll see a gear symbol at the upper left. That's where all your settings are. Tap it and you'll see the "sync position" option.

[Kelly]

Thanks. I'm sure I looked there. Don't know how I missed it!

[Loren]

I tried a new book by starting it in audible and moving from there to my kindle. Sunuvagun it worked and worked beautifully. I've had no issues with my audible/amazon syncing even when traveling. Damned if I get it.........