Audiobooks discussion
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Audible formats some to be discontinued
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FYI Got an email today with this info:We're writing you to let you know about a recent technical update that may impact your listening experience. In our effort to bring you the best audio quality available, we have updated audio Format 4, an audio format you previously used to download and listen to your audiobooks. With this update, we discovered that for some people with older devices, new audiobooks released after January 1, 2017 may not play.
We do have some good news: you’ll still be able to listen to audiobooks published prior to January 1, 2017 the same way you always have, and any files already in your library should continue to work as well.
For those audiobooks in your library which are affected by this update, we offer the following additional listening options:
1. Listen to your audiobooks right on your laptop or desktop computer through our Cloud Player. It’s easy and doesn’t require you to download the content to listen to it.
2. Download the free Audible app onto a compatible device and experience the highest quality audio available. The app is compatible with many devices—download it on up to 10, then switch devices as frequently as you like without losing your place.
So if we gave rhe app in the iPhone and iPad they should be fine?
I chatted with an Audible C.S. rep a couple of days ago and he said if I use format 4 I should be ok (still using MP3 player), I don't think it affects those who use their phones or tablets with the app.
Hmm, I wish they wouldn't be so proactively pushing people off the devices of their choice to the app on a phone. I have several devices (older ipods, sansa clip+, etc) that play format 4. If I find that new material purchases will not play the "new improved (broken)" format 4 and I am being forced to use the app, which seems to be the point and goal here going on with all of these changes, I'm afraid I will be reconsidering whether to continue my membership I have had since 2008. I am currently a monthly platinum member and I find these changes which attempt to force me into the app away from the device of my choice unacceptable. They already use a DRM format that forced me to use a device they pretty much dictated to begin with, as only certain devices were compatible with their format. I won't go along with being told that now only the app will play their stuff.
I may be forced into breaking the EULA and converting their DRM format to a format that WILL play on my devices if they persist.
I feel the same way, not everyone wants to use a smartphone to listen to audiobooks. I like my player because it is small and easy to carry around. Why can't they just let us listen how we want in ways that are best for us?
Karen wrote: "FYI Got an email today with this info:"Thanks for posting about this, Karen. I use format 4 but I haven't received an e-mail from Audible about this yet.
Doug wrote: "I have several devices (older ipods, sansa clip+, etc) that play format 4. If I find that new material purchases will not play the "new improved (broken)" format 4 and I am being forced to use the app, which seems to be the point and goal here going on with all of these changes, I'm afraid I will be reconsidering whether to continue my membership."
Me too. I have a sansa clip that I use to play format 4, and that's the only way I listen to my books. I don't even have a smartphone. And there's no way I'm going to "Listen to your audiobooks right on your laptop or desktop computer".
I'm another big fan of Sansa Clips. I don't have a smartphone and am not really interested in hauling anything that large around. I love the tiny size, secure clip of my Clips. I've been using Format 4 for a while. If this 'upgrade' messes with my listening, guess I'll be another former annual member.
Some seem to think Audible wants to get everyone using a phone or tablet for their audio. Hope not because I have a Creative Zen I love to use and it works fine since it plays format 4.