Book description
The noted inventor and futurist's successor to his landmark book The Singularity Is Near explores how technology will transform the human race in the decades to come Since it was first published in 2005, Ray Kurzweil's The Singularity Is Near and its vision of an exponential future have spawned a worldwide movement. Kurzweil's predictions about technological advancements have largely come true, with concepts like AI, intelligent machines, and biotechnology now widely familiar to the public. In this entirely new book Ray Kurzweil brings a fresh perspective to advances toward the Singularity--assessing his 1999 prediction that AI will reach human level intelligence by 2029 and examining the exponential growth of technology--that, in the near future, will expand human intelligence a millionfold and change human life forever. Among the topics he discusses are rebuilding the world, atom by atom with devices like nanobots; radical life extension beyond the current age limit of 120; reinventing intelligence by connecting our brains to the cloud; how exponential technologies are propelling innovation forward in all industries and improving all aspects of our well-being such as declining poverty and violence; and the growth of renewable energy and 3-D printing. He also considers the potential perils of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence, including such topics of current controversy as how AI will impact employment and the safety of autonomous cars, and "After Life" technology, which aims to virtually revive deceased individuals through a combination of their data and DNA. The culmination of six decades of research on artificial intelligence, The Singularity Is Nearer is Ray Kurzweil's crowning contribution to the story of this science and the revolution that is to come.
About the Author
Ray Kurzweil is a world class inventor, thinker, and futurist, with a thirty-five-year track record of accurate predictions. He has been a leading developer in artificial intelligence for 61 years - longer than any other living person. He was the principal inventor of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, omni-font optical character recognition, print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, text-to-speech synthesizer, music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition software. Ray received a GRAMMY(R) Award for outstanding achievement in music technology; he is the recipient of the National Medal of Technology and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He has written five best-selling books including The Singularity Is Near and How to Create a Mind. He is a Principal Researcher and AI Visionary at Google.
Wonder Lady
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. 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!
Bug Blitz
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences β it's a fantastic touch. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Apple Nola
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Trigger Warming
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Knight Light
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Marine Dre
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
Mr. Fabulous
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Knight Light
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. 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!
Devil Bread
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Airport Hobo
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ
Freesia
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Thumb Candy
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Whip Chu
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Frosty Snazz
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
DanimalDaze
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset.
Steel
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience.
Sass Burst
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Sultan of Speed
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
AlertXis
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§
Commando
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
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