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.
Swedish Twizz
π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Noisy Girl
The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Stone Boomstick
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Shy Warrior
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§ Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§
Solitaire
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Mad Rascal
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Aqua Monsoon
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π
SWAT Honey
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Sly Silvermoon
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Kevlar Wanted
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Twinkle Cutlass
The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
PixelPioneer
Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Doughboy, Esq
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
Light Lion
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Po1son
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Burn
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§ The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Unleashed
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Freeway
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
D-Hog-Day
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π
Con Mammoth
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
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