Alexi, a new iOS application, was launched globally in December, including in India. The app, which is free to download, features a four-week trial period. After the trial ends, users must pay GBP 1.99, roughly Rs. 160 per week, to continue using the service. Alexi operates similarly to a lending library, allowing users to read any book from its curated catalogue, with selections based on recommendations from well-known authors like John LeCarre, David Mitchell, and Alice Sebold.
The curation process offers readers a diverse range of literature, and the app’s layout is user-friendly and intuitive. However, a major drawback is that users cannot sign up directly through the app; registration must be done via Alexi’s website, which is also necessary for canceling subscriptions. Additionally, the limited selection of books—that primarily features authors’ picks—may not satisfy users who prefer a broader library of options. Consequently, while the app may appeal to those willing to embrace the curated selections, it can fall short for users looking for extensive choices.
In contrast to Kindle Unlimited from Amazon, which offers a vast selection of over one million titles, Alexi’s more affordable pricing reflects its smaller catalogue. The app presents rotating selections of recommended titles, sometimes with countdown notices indicating when a particular book will no longer be available. The recommendations are made by authors rather than generated by algorithms, giving a personal touch to the curation process.
While this approach may introduce a risk, as users’ preferences might not always align with the authors’ recommendations, the app attempts to personalize experiences by asking users to select authors they enjoy at the initial launch. Nonetheless, even with the extensive catalogue offered by Kindle Unlimited, finding desirable titles is not always guaranteed.
Andrew Kidd, co-founder and CEO of Alexi, shared that initial feedback indicates that users appreciate the personal and human element of the recommendations, which can lead them to discover books they may not have encountered through conventional sales-driven algorithms.
The app is visually appealing and user-friendly, launching in beta in 2015 and taking a year for the final version to materialize. The home screen prominently displays available authors, allowing users to browse through new recommendations. The ‘Library’ feature shows the twelve selected books, alongside the three downloaded offline. Users can monitor their reading statistics, including the percentage of books read, through their profile page, and reading experience includes standard features such as font choices and background colors, along with useful tools like a progress bar and estimated reading time.
A significant concern remains the signup process; similar to many media apps, Alexi does not allow in-app registration or payment through users’ Apple ID. Instead, users must visit the website to sign up and later to manage their subscriptions. Although pricing is currently displayed in GBP, region-specific pricing is expected, according to Kidd, and payments can be made via credit or debit cards.
While the app is polished and professional, its distinctive feature lies in its model for curating book selections. In a changing publishing landscape, driven by the need for novel digital distribution strategies, Alexi stands out among several emerging concepts. For instance, Juggernaut Books in India targets mobile readers with short, affordable titles, while American author James Patterson has introduced BookShots, emphasizing swift reads with the tagline, “Life moves fast – books should too.”
Alexi does not intend to revolutionize book publishing but rather aims at enhancing the discovery process. Its co-founders, Kidd and Ayesha Karim, both former literary agents, seek to utilize their extensive experience to curate a selection of engaging titles. In India, they have collaborated with a variety of authors, including Pankaj Mishra, Raj Kamal Jha, and VS Naipaul, aligning the app’s focus on the Indian market following its launch in the UK.
Verdict
The appeal of Alexi may vary among users. Given its narrower selection compared to other subscription services, it is advisable to review the recommended titles to determine personal interest, with a free trial allowing potential users to explore the offerings without commitment.
With Alexi, users are charged a subscription fee regardless of their reading activity, and payouts to publishers are based on a percentage read. The founders highlight that their service is designed for avid readers rather than casual users. Kidd points out that most members tend to utilize the service regularly.
However, the founders have not disclosed user figures, only noting an above-average conversion rate of 33 percent. Since the app is only available on iOS, there are no public download metrics like those on Google Play. Initial experiences with the app have been positive, and if one discovers even one book to read every two weeks, the service may provide good value for money.
What we liked
- User-friendly interface
- Curated author recommendations can reveal hidden gems
What we didn’t like
- Limited book selection
- Inconvenient signup process
