Book description
A riveting inside look at an elite unit within the Pentagon--the Defense Innovation Unit, also known as Unit X--whose mission is to bring Silicon Valley's cutting-edge technology to America's military: from the two men who launched the unit. A vast and largely unseen transformation of how war is fought as profound as the invention of gunpowder or advent of the nuclear age is occurring. Flying cars that can land like helicopters, artificial intelligence-powered drones that can fly into buildings and map their interiors, microsatellites that can see through clouds and monitor rogue missile sites--all these and more are becoming part of America's DIU-fast-tracked arsenal. Until recently, the Pentagon was known for its uncomfortable relationship with Silicon Valley and for slow-moving processes that acted as a brake on innovation. Unit X was specifically designed as a bridge to Valley technologists that would accelerate bringing state of the art software and hardware to the battle space. Given authority to cut through red tape and function almost as a venture capital firm, Shah, Kirchhoff, and others in the Unit who came after were tasked particularly with meeting immediate military needs with technology from Valley startups rather than from so-called "primes"--behemoth companies like Lockheed, Raytheon, and Boeing. Taking us inside AI labs, drone workshops, and battle command centers--and, also, overseas to Ukraine's frontlines--Shah and Kirchhoff paint a fascinating picture of what it takes to stay dominant in a fast-changing and often precarious geopolitical landscape. In an era when America's chief rival, China, has ordered that all commercial firms within its borders make their research and technology available for military exploitation, strengthening the relationship between Washington and Silicon Valley was always advisable. Today, it is an urgent necessity.
About the Author
Raj M. Shah is a serial technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former director of the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit. He is currently the managing partner of Shield Capital, an investment firm focused on technologies at the nexus of commercial and national security applications. He started his career as an F-16 pilot in the Air National Guard and continues to serve part time. He obtained an AB degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. Christopher Kirchhoff, an expert in emerging technology, helped create the Defense Innovation Unit, which he continues to advise. During the Obama administration, he was the director of strategic planning for the National Security Council and senior civilian adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Chris obtained an AB degree from Harvard College and a PhD in social and political sciences from Cambridge University.
Wildcat Talent
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Toxic-oxide
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Tin Mutt
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
CyberScribe
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
Firefly
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
Energy
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Rummy Stickers
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ
Boost
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Sβmore Vixen
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π± I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Little General
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
Broomspun
Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ 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. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Mint Ness
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Divine Bramble
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Killer Curio
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth.
Trash Master
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ
Show Boat
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's design is user-centric. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Whip 2T
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§
Spunky Comet
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Pepper Legs
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Fresh Peper
π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
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