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.
Spit Turanga
π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Proper
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
Junkyard Dog
π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Impulse
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
AxelRoad
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Casanova
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Canary Apple Red
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me.
Desert Haze
Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Frosty Sunshine
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Shy Warrior
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π
Purity Catnip
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
101
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible!
Fresh Peper
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
New York Mood
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Scratch Man
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
ThreadTraveler
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
WanderWord
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule.
Vortex
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
1st Degree
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Night Magnet
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
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