Book description
From the New York Times-bestselling author of Where Good Ideas Come From and Unexpected Life, a new look at the power and legacy of great ideas.In this illustrated history, Steven Johnson explores the history of innovation over centuries, tracing facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences. Filled with surprising stories of accidental genius and brilliant mistakes--from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback, to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology behind Wi-Fi and Bluetooth--How We Got to Now investigates the secret history behind the everyday objects of contemporary life. In his trademark style, Johnson examines unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated fields: how the invention of air-conditioning enabled the largest migration of human beings in the history of the species--to cities such as Dubai or Phoenix, which would otherwise be virtually uninhabitable; how pendulum clocks helped trigger the industrial revolution; and how clean water made it possible to manufacture computer chips. Accompanied by a major six-part television series on PBS, How We Got to Now is the story of collaborative networks building the modern world, written in the provocative, informative, and engaging style that has earned Johnson fans around the globe.
Doughboy, Esq
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true winner. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Rando Tank
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy.
Whistler
π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend! A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Pixie
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Virgo Moon
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Wiccan Thunder
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
StarZen
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Knight Light
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Breezy Mustang
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Black Mustard
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
RedFeet
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight.
WanderWord
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Demand Chopper
Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Bugger
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Juno Cream
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
SkyGod
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app.
Esquire
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Cooger
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Killer Curio
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§
Trick Baron
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience