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.
RZR
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience.
FlyGuardX
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency!
Hitch Frenzy
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§
Suicide Crusher
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Ginger Chaos
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ
Abyss Tamer
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π
Casanova
I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ
Versace-Cat
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π
Thunder Nut
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§
Troubled Chick
Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π
Fl00d
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Snow Cream
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Doll Champagne
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app.
Shooter
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Slug-em-dog
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly.
Sun Runner
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Shivers
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
The Beekeeper
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration.
MysticMingle
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Speedwell
π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ
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