Book description
The true, behind-the-scenes history of the people who built Silicon Valley and shaped Big Tech in America Long before Margaret O'Mara became one of our most consequential historians of the American-led digital revolution, she worked in the White House of Bill Clinton and Al Gore in the earliest days of the commercial Internet. There she saw firsthand how deeply intertwined Silicon Valley was with the federal government--and always had been--and how shallow the common understanding of the secrets of the Valley's success actually was. Now, after almost five years of pioneering research, O'Mara has produced the definitive history of Silicon Valley for our time, the story of mavericks and visionaries, but also of powerful institutions creating the framework for innovation, from the Pentagon to Stanford University. It is also a story of a community that started off remarkably homogeneous and tight-knit and stayed that way, and whose belief in its own mythology has deepened into a collective hubris that has led to astonishing triumphs as well as devastating second-order effects. Deploying a wonderfully rich and diverse cast of protagonists, from the justly famous to the unjustly obscure, across four generations of explosive growth in the Valley, from the forties to the present, O'Mara has wrestled one of the most fateful developments in modern American history into magnificent narrative form. She is on the ground with all of the key tech companies, chronicling the evolution in their offerings through each successive era, and she has a profound fingertip feel for the politics of the sector and its relation to the larger cultural narrative about tech as it has evolved over the years. Perhaps most impressive, O'Mara has penetrated the inner kingdom of tech venture capital firms, the insular and still remarkably old-boy world that became the cockpit of American capitalism and the crucible for bringing technological innovation to market, or not. The transformation of big tech into the engine room of the American economy and the nexus of so many of our hopes and dreams--and, increasingly, our nightmares--can be understood, in Margaret O'Mara's masterful hands, as the story of one California valley. As her majestic history makes clear, its fate is the fate of us all.
Light Lion
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Scarlet Mary
Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Indigo Red
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day.
Spunky Sphinx
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Most Wanted
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Whip 2T
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
StarStrider
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories.
BlackExcalibur
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
NexusNavigator
π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Chapstick
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
StormCake
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Versace-Cat
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
VisionVortex
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Twister Hero
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Apple Nola
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Alley Cat
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Mr. Fabulous
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Bazooka Har-de-har
The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Gothic Slacker
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ 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!
Duchess
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
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