Vox9 Audiobook Android App - Now in Review at Google

Hi everyone,

Here is a real glimpse of what the app actually looks like in use!

I want to thank all of you who've helped to shape this app with bug reports and feature requests. I made over 25 iterations/releases on it's way to being submitted to the Play store for review.

I still have several weeks to go of reviews and possible updates depending on what the people at google think, so this is really just another step on the way to getting the app live to the public in the store.

In the mean time, if you like what you see, you can still get early access to the app. Just apply to join the google group and once approved, you can download the app and have a play with it.

Details Below:

Quick start:
Step 1: Join this group
Join with the same Google account that's on your phone's Play Store:
👉 https://groups.google.com/g/vox9-testers — tap "Ask to join". I'll approve you (usually quickly).

Step 2: Install the app
Once I've approved you (please allow up to an hour for Google to register you), open this on your Android phone:
👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.vox9.app
Install it from Google Play and sign in with that same Google account.

More Details below:

What is Vox9?

Vox9 is a streaming app for AI/Human‑narrated independent fiction: sci‑fi, fantasy, HFY, horror, comedy and more. Think of it like a podcast/audiobook player, but for serialised original stories from independent authors. Listen for free, follow the authors you love, and support them directly.

What you can do in the app

- Browse by genre: Sci‑Fi, HFY, Fantasy, Horror, Comedy, Romance, Crime, Creepypasta, Sci‑Fi News, plus a 🎙️ Human Narrated section.
- Discover: featured story, trending, free‑to‑listen, "Extended listens" (2hr+ deep dives), and the latest episodes.
- Download episodes/books for offline listening (this is a perk. You need to subscriber to one author or the platform for this to be enabled)
- Continue listening: your progress syncs, so you pick up right where you left off on any device.
- Follow authors and get their work in your library
- Support creators: subscribe or tip an author right from the player (subscribing also removes ads for you on the platform).
- Download for offline: save episodes and listen with no signal
- Background & lock‑screen playback: control it without unlocking your phone
- Sleep timer: 5/15/30/45/60 min or "end of episode"
- Free listening is supported by occasional short audio ads (just like the website)

📲 How to become a tester (2 steps, ~2 minutes)

Step 1: Join this group
You're (almost) here! Join with the same Google account that's on your phone's Play Store:
👉 https://groups.google.com/g/vox9-testers — tap "Ask to join". I'll approve you (usually quickly).

Step 2: Install the app
Once I've approved you (please allow up to an hour for Google to register you), open this on your Android phone:
👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.vox9.app
Install it from Google Play and sign in with that same Google account.

⚠️ Important: the app will only appear for you if you join the group and install with the same Google account that's signed into your phone. If it says "item not available," wait a little and refresh.

🍎 iPhone/iPad? An Apple App Store version is coming soon -Android first while we finish testing.

🐛 How to give feedback

Please post in the google group so everyone benefits and I can track it. You should be able to start a new conversation providing helpful details like these:
  - What happened vs what you expected
  - Screenshots (or a screen recording) - super helpful
  - Any error messages (copy the exact text)
  - Steps to reproduce it
  - Your phone model + Android version (Settings → About phone)

Bugs, confusing bits, ideas, "wouldn't it be cool if…" - all welcome.

🙏 One ask

Please keep the app installed for ~2 weeks and have a listen now and then. Google requires the test to run with enough active testers before I can launch publicly, so your staying in really does get us over the line.

Thank you so much for helping bring Vox9 to life. Happy listening! 🚀