Audible has a creepy new feature that lets you talk to characters in books.

Audible, an audiobook platform owned by Amazon, has introduced three new AI-powered features designed to enhance the listening experience. These tools include a character guide to help listeners track speakers in real time, interactive stories where users can ask questions and engage with characters, and additional visual content like maps or images of locations mentioned in the book. The character guide will display who is speaking directly on the player interface, which is particularly useful for complex novels with multiple characters. The interactive feature, currently in beta testing, allows listeners to converse with characters during specific moments in the story, powered by generative AI technology.

The new features will be tested with specific audiobooks, starting with George Orwell’s 1984 to help listeners keep track of its three main characters. A pilot version of the interactive feature will be available in a new Audible Original adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, where listeners can engage with characters like Renfield in real time. Amazon has stated that the interactive feature will only be available in works where the author or rights holder has given permission, though the pilot is launching with a public domain text, Dracula. The company plans to expand the interactive feature to other titles if the pilot is successful.

These AI tools are designed to address common challenges faced by audiobook listeners, such as keeping track of multiple characters or remembering details about the story’s setting. For example, the character guide will help listeners avoid confusion in sprawling novels like One Hundred Years of Solitude or War and Peace. The additional visual content, such as maps or images of landmarks, aims to deepen immersion for listeners who may be multitasking or need extra context. The spoiler-free character cards will also provide information about the narrator’s voice, which may be helpful for listeners with memory difficulties.

The article highlights mixed reactions to these innovations. While some listeners may find the tools useful for navigating complex narratives or enhancing engagement, others might view them as disruptive to the traditional audiobook experience. The author expresses skepticism about the interactive feature, questioning whether constant interaction with characters aligns with the intended listening experience. However, the tools are positioned as optional additions, allowing users to engage with them as they see fit. The article also notes that Amazon’s focus on expanding these features reflects a broader trend in the audiobook industry toward more interactive and immersive experiences.