Book description
From the author of When We Cease to Understand the World: a dazzling, kaleidoscopic book about the destructive chaos lurking in the history of computing and AI'Monstrously good... Reads like a dark foundation myth about modern technology but told with the pace of a thriller' Mark HaddonJohn von Neumann was a titan of science. A Hungarian wunderkind who revolutionized every field he touched, his mathematical powers were so exceptional that Hans Bethe - a Nobel Prize-winning physicist - thought he might represent the next step in human evolution.After seeking the foundations of mathematics during his youth in Germany, von Neumann emigrated to the United States, where he became entangled in the power games of the Cold War; he designed the world's first programmable computer, invented game theory, pioneered AI and digital life, and helped create the atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was the darling of the military industrial complex, but when illness unmoored his mind, his work pushed further into areas beyond human comprehension and control.The MANIAC places von Neumann at the center of a literary triptych about the dark foundations of our modern world and the nascent era of AI. It begins with Paul Ehrenfest, an Austrian physicist and close friend of Einstein, who fell into despair when he saw science and technology become tyrannical forces; it ends a hundred years later, in the showdown between the South Korean Go Master, Lee Sedol, and the AI program AlphaGo.Braiding fact with fiction, Benjamín Labatut takes us on a journey to the frontiers of rational thought, where invention outpaces human understanding and offers godlike power, but takes us to the brink of Armageddon.
Joker's Grin
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
WanderWord
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Murmur
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Apex
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers.
Mr. Fabulous
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖
Cougar Fuzz
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Candy Butcher
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Granola
ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
Chocolate Thunder
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Essex
Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Necessary Momentum
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Cosmic Presence
🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Lucky Aurora
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Take Away
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Dark Matter
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Alias Stick
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Commando
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨
Unseen
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Tweety Bun Bun
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey.
Sick Saurus
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
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