2006 has arrived, and many are curious about what to expect from the rapidly evolving market of audio books. Audio books have been around for over 20 years and have gained significant popularity in recent years. However, I believe that the audio books revolution has only just begun.

Here are the emerging trends in the audio books market for 2006:

1. Fewer audio books on CD and cassettes and more downloadable audio books – MP3 audio books and other digital formats will become more affordable and accessible, while audio books on CD and cassette will be less convenient and user-friendly. The number of podcast listeners who download audio books from the internet The World-wide-web Niche - The global economy has been severely impacted. Millions of people have lost their jobs, many are losing their homes, and retirement portfolios are disappearing at an alarming rate. What happens in the World Wide Web? We often discuss the global financial tsunami, an economic crisis on a scale that rivals the Great Depression of the… to listen on their mobile devices like iPods is expected to rise significantly.
2. Audio book rental services will become the most popular way to enjoy audio books – Similar to the DVD market, many audio book listeners will prefer renting audio books instead of purchasing them. This trend is strongest for downloadable audio books and also applies to audio books on CD and cassette.
3. Free audio books – More online audio book services will offer inexpensive and free audio books through free trials and special promotions.
4. Audio books will expand in Europe – While the audio book market in the United Kingdom is well-developed and reached a turnover of $124 million in 2004, the market in Germany is continuously growing and has already reached a turnover of $120 million in 2005. The audio book market across the entire continent is expected to increase by around 20% during 2006.

Sony has also recognized the emerging market of digital audio Just how to Set HDMI Audio Correctly - HDMI cables are used to transfer video and audio signals through a single line between HDMI devices, such as a home theater receiver and an HDTV. The cable can deliver 8 separate channels of digital audio for surround sound systems, including signals for the right and left speakers, the center channel, two rear surround speakers,… books and announced a new audio book mobile player. The new product will allow users to store and listen to digital audio books and is expected to gain similar popularity as the “iPod.”