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.
Goatee Shield
π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Short Firecracker
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic!
Manly Reno
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Valley Guardian
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
Mr. Thanksgiving
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Rink Ruler
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing.
Daisy Stick
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§
InsightfulInk
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Swan Mustang
β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive.
BlackExcalibur
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
Bad Bond
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Hairpin
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Tart Voodoo
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
BearDrift
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Most Wanted
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings.
ZenZone
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
NexusNinja
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch.
The Howling Swede
ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
ThreadTrail
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Pixie Taze
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
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