A new audio book and radio play app aims to conquer German smartphones. But what does it have to offer?
Audio books and radio plays are extremely popular in Germany. With the new app "Audiobooks by Deezer", the well-known streaming service recently decoupled its offer and has been making its own application for iOS and Android smartphones available since mid-September, which is specially tailored to the preferences of users, the literature in audio Like format. But what does the app have to offer and can it compete with the top dog Audible from Amazon?
First of all: the new app doesn't have to hide, but it has both advantages and disadvantages compared to the application of the Amazon subsidiary.
Germany is an audio book country
Both Audible and Deezer report that more and more people are developing a preference for radio plays and audio books. According to Audible, around eight million Germans accessed podcasts, radio plays or audio books in 2019. At Deezer, according to the latest information from the company in Germany, almost 19 percent of the monthly active users listen to relevant content. The listening time has increased by almost 35 percent per user since 2017.
The new app from Deezer was specially developed for the German market and offers numerous proven functions that are tailored to fans of the format. Similar to Audible, users can find curated recommendations, select individual chapters directly or use a sleep timer so that the playback of a selected content stops after a predetermined time.
Particularly practical: As with other providers, audio books and radio plays can be downloaded so that they can be listened to later without a continuous internet connection. In a separate library, the user can see at a glance the titles that have already been downloaded, finished works and favorites as well as audio books that have already started.
Hear as much as you want
Compared to the Audible app, Deezer's application has two clear advantages to offer. All content found via the app can be reserved and downloaded directly, while the competition first has to buy an audiobook via browser so that it can later be loaded into the app.
In addition, audiobook fans can use the entire offer for almost the same amount without having to pay a surcharge. While Audible usually includes one or two audio books for just under ten euros a month, depending on the current offers, and additional titles have to be purchased, Deezer users can listen to as much content as they want. A separate listening function is therefore unnecessary.
Does the new Grisham exist?
The whole thing is in an easily accessible app, in which fans can also search directly for individual titles, authors or speakers. According to the provider, tens of thousands of content are on offer, from exciting thrillers to adventurous children's radio plays, including readings by popular speakers such as David Nathan (49), Tanja Geke (49), Uve Teschner (47) and Luise Helm (37). The offer is constantly being expanded.
Offers from well-known publishers such as Argon Audiobook or Lübbe Audio are also part of the program – as well as legendary children's and youth entertainment with series such as "TKKG", "Die drei ???", "Bibi Blocksberg" and Enid Blytons (1897-1968) "Five friends".
The selection is good, but at the same time does not come close to Audible (as of September 29, 2020). For example, if you want to hear the "Harry Potter" books, you will not find it at Deezer, for example there is the "The Hunger Games" series. Especially when it comes to more recent titles, Audible has the edge. While Ferdinand von Schirach's (56) "Gott", Jo Nesbøs (60) "Your Kingdom" and John Grisham's (65) "The Manuscript" already exist there, Deezer users are at least happy about Ken Follett's (71) "Kingsbridge – The morning of a new time ". In principle, the new app also contains works by authors such as Sebastian Fitzek (48), Stephen King (73), Jojo Moyes (51) and many other stars from the world of literature.
Just as with Audible, there is also content with Deezer that the service offers exclusively compared to other streaming competitors. For example, Arno Strobel's (58) novel "Die App" is not available on any other streaming service in Germany until October 23. New exclusive content should follow again and again – next for example Daniela Arnold's "Lügenkind" on October 2nd. Similar to Audible, Deezer also produces its own originals such as "CrossxKreuzung" and "The State of Emergency", which can, however, be found in the provider's music app.
Everything for ten euros a month
With all of this, "Audiobooks by Deezer" may in part be less up-to-date and also less extensive in terms of selection in some areas, but the already mentioned price for users can be significantly lower in the long run. Access to the app is free of charge for all users with the appropriate music subscription.
Users can not only access 56 million songs, but also the range of audio books and radio plays. The whole thing is included for consumers with "Premium" – (9.99 euros per month), "HiFi" – (14.99 euros per month), "Family" – (14.99 euros per month) and "Student" – Subscription (4.99 euros per month). There is currently no separate access only to the audio book app.
For frequent listeners in particular, it can be particularly worthwhile to try out "Audiobooks by Deezer", as consumers can definitely save money in the long run if they are willing to make a few compromises when it comes to being up to date. And if you already have a subscription, you should definitely take a look.