Spotify is experimenting with a new feature that links audiobooks to their printed counterparts.

Spotify seems to be developing an exciting new feature aimed at audiobook enthusiasts, allowing them to seamlessly continue their listening experience from where they left off in a physical book. According to reports, version 9.1.18.282 of the Spotify app contains references to a beta feature called Page Match, designed to sync audiobooks with their print and digital versions.

To utilize Page Match, users will need to purchase or unlock the audiobook on Spotify and possess either the physical or digital edition of the same title. The feature operates by scanning the page you’re currently reading with your device’s camera, employing optical character recognition (OCR) to pinpoint text passages that correspond to specific timestamps in the audiobook.

The goal is to eliminate the hassle of manually fast-forwarding or rewinding, but it appears Page Match may also function in reverse. Code snippets indicate that Spotify could display the page number that aligns with your current audiobook position, making it easier for avid readers to switch between listening and reading. This is further supported by Spotify’s description of the feature, which states it can “match your progress from the book page to the audiobook — and back again.” However, since page numbers can differ across book editions, this could lead to some inconsistencies.

As of now, Spotify has not officially announced Page Match, so its public rollout remains uncertain. Additionally, the OCR technology for Page Match may not always be dependable; reports suggest that Spotify might prompt users to scan a nearby page if it struggles to recognize the text you’re reading.

While Amazon offers a similar feature called Whispersync for Voice, which syncs Audible audiobooks with Kindle ebooks, it doesn’t extend to physical books or ebooks from other platforms. Page Match, on the other hand, appears to have fewer restrictions, potentially making it easier for users to set down their physical books and continue listening while engaged in activities like driving or cooking—something many find helps maintain productivity.