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.
Bleachers
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
Mauve Cactus
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. 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!
Spitfire
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§
Freeze Queen
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Baked ZD
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Feral Cookie
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Forger
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Sokol
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Austin Shamrock
β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Jack Cassidy
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Dance Bloom
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π
Omega Sub
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ
DARK HQ
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Truth
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant!
Palomino
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
Mum Mary
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨
Insane SweepKick
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Pockets
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Onion King
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable.
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