Do you love e-books and audiobooks, but hate the restrictions that come along with most of today’s streaming services? Are you tired of working around credit systems and paying a different fee for every book you want to enjoy? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘Yes’, then there’s a new service coming for you: Playster.
The Montreal-based startup is going up against industry heavyweights like Audible and Scribd by offering book lovers truly unlimited access to its e-book and audiobook catalogs for one low monthly fee.
By paying $9.95 per month, users can enjoy as many titles as they want — Playster has inked deals with the Big Five publishers (Penguin Random House, Hachette, Macmillan, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster) and its collection includes everything from the newest audiobook releases to New York Times Best Sellers and timeless classics — all of which can be read and listened to both online and offline.
“Most book subscriptions are unable to provide a sustainable model while also keeping publishers and authors happy,” Playster CEO Philip Keezer recently explained to Digital Book World. “But we’ve got a foot forward with that. We’ve already seen some of the big players being forced to shut down because they were unable to reach a scale that allowed them to sustain their business, and we’ll see this happening with more book subscriptions. Some will have to be more selective with their offerings and target niche audiences, such as comic books.”
Playster believes it has found the magic formula, however, which allows it to offer a book subscription with no limitations or restrictions. What’s more, the company is offering a second option for serious entertainment buffs who are searching for convenience and a money-saving alternative to their current streaming subscriptions.
For $24.95 month, Playster offers and all-in-one package that plays up its motto — Entertainment Unlimited — by giving members unlimited access to music, movies and games (in addition to e-books and audiobooks).
Its final selling point is to give away a free Playster Combo Box to anyone who signs up for 12 months. This includes an Android tablet and HD headphones, listed at a retail value of $250. From the looks of it, it’s a great secondary tablet to throw in your bag or give to your younger family members — up to three users can share one account!
If you’re curious about Playster, you can try it free for 30 days: www.playster.com
