Barnes & Noble launches Audiobook MP3 Store

NEW YORK Barnes & Noble the world’s largest bookseller, announced that Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com) has launched its Audiobook MP3 Store, featuring audiobook MP3s available for instant download and transfer to iPods, iPhones, MP3 players and other portable devices. The average price per download will range between $10 and $20.

“As the use of MP3 players, iPods, iPhones and other digital devices continues to increase, it is important for Barnes & Noble to continue to expand our audio selection and satisfy our customers' listening preferences. The launch of the Barnes & Noble Audiobook MP3 Store is a natural progression in our commitment to book lovers and audiobook fans,” said Tom Burke, EVP e-commerce Barnes & Noble. “The addition of audiobook MP3s rounds out our already great selection of audiobook CDs available on BN.com and provides our customers with another easily accessible way to indulge in their love of books.”

With the popularity of Amazon Kindle and other devices, its clear that consumers are "reading" in many different ways. The increasing availability of portable audio players will likely make audiobooks and similar products more popular with consumers.