RBmedia Announces Launch of Audiobooks.com in Australia

SYDNEY, October 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• Audiobooks.com, the second largest provider of audiobooks in North America, launched in Australia today
• Audiobooks.com owner, RBmedia, builds on 5 years of Australian success with leading audiobook publisher Wavesound  
• The service launches with a market-leading offer - two free audiobooks to new users who sign up to a new trial

Audiobooks.com, the second largest provider of audiobooks in North America, today announces its launch into the Australian market. Owner RBmedia announced the launch of the service after years of success in Australia with sister company, and leading audiobook publisher, Wavesound.

The service launches with a market-leading introductory offer, with which new customers can claim two free books when they sign up to a free trial. After the free trial period, Audiobooks.com's $14.95 per month subscription will entitle members to one premium audiobook per month, on top of which extra titles can be purchased. Users can redeem credits for new titles within the mobile app rather than needing to visit the desktop site (as with other similar services). Audiobooks.com is also available on a variety of platforms including smartphones, desktops, smartwatches, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and with the infotainment systems in select Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles.

Audiobooks.com's expansion into Australia follows another impressive year for the audiobook industry, which saw explosive growth around the globe: the North American Audio Publishers Association reported an increase of 33.9% in audiobook units sold in 2016. Audiobooks continue to outpace print and e-book sales as the fastest growing format in publishing.

During a soft launch of Audiobooks.com in Australia, Australian users have already listened to almost 2.2 million hours of content, which is equal to 250 years' worth of listening. By the end of 2017, Audiobooks.com expects to have over 70,000 titles available for Australian members.

Audiobooks.com is owned by RBmedia, a global leader in spoken audio content and digital media distribution technology. RBmedia also owns Sydney-based audiobook publisher Wavesound - a leading provider of apps, audiobooks and related content to consumers via Australian retailers and libraries. Audiobooks.com promises to offer an unparalleled service to consumers in Australia.

Ian Small, CEO, Audiobooks.com, commented: "We know what consumers and publishers want from our library platform experience and are leveraging this knowledge to bring Audiobooks.com to the Australian market. Our Australian customers have already downloaded 80,000 audiobooks from our platform during a soft launch, and with thousands more titles to be added this year, we expect the Australian market to go from strength to strength."

About Audiobooks.com 

Audiobooks.com, an RBmedia company, is a market-leading streaming and download service for audiobooks, delivering fast and easy access to over 100,000 titles globally to booklovers around the world via the free Audiobooks.com app for Apple and Android. The service can be used at home on Sonos or tvOS, and in-car on CarPlay, Android Auto and with the infotainment systems in select Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. The company's proprietary technology synchronizes users' last listened-to position across all devices, creating a seamless user experience.

About RBmedia 

RBmedia is a global leader in spoken audio content and digital media distribution technology that reaches millions of consumers - at home, in the car, and wherever their mobile devices take them. RBmedia produces exclusive titles and delivers the finest digital content - including audiobooks, educational courses, entertainment titles, and much more. RBmedia comprises an ever-expanding group of the best brands in spoken audio content and digital media distribution technology. Find out more at http://www.rbmediaglobal.com.  

About Wavesound 

Wavesound Pty Ltd, an RBmedia company, is Australia's leading publisher of audiobooks, large print books and digital products. The company, founded in 2009 and based in Sydney, publishes specific Australian titles as well as an extensive range of International best sellers.