A NATIONAL BESTSELLER A programmer, musician, and father of virtual reality technology, Jaron Lanier was a pioneer in digital media, and among the first to predict the revolutionary changes it would bring to our commerce and culture. Now, with the Web influencing virtually every aspect of our lives, he offers this provocative critique of how digital design is shaping society, for better and for worse. Informed by Lanier’s experience and expertise as a computer scientist, You Are Not a Gadget discusses the technical and cultural problems that have unwittingly risen from programming choices—such as the nature of user identity—that were “locked-in” at the birth of digital media and considers what a future based on current design philosophies will bring. With the proliferation of social networks, cloud-based data storage systems, and Web 2.0 designs that elevate the “wisdom” of mobs and computer algorithms over the intelligence and wisdom of individuals, his message has never been more urgent.

The Microsoft interdisciplinary scientist largely credited with popularizing virtual reality reflects on his lifelong relationship with technology, showing VR's ability to illuminate and amplify our understanding of our species and how the brain and body connect to the world. By the author of You Are Not a Gadget. --Publisher.

From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Inevitable— a sweeping vision of technology as a living force that can expand our individual potential In this provocative book, one of today's most respected thinkers turns the conversation about technology on its head by viewing technology as a natural system, an extension of biological evolution. By mapping the behavior of life, we paradoxically get a glimpse at where technology is headed-or "what it wants." Kevin Kelly offers a dozen trajectories in the coming decades for this near-living system. And as we align ourselves with technology's agenda, we can capture its colossal potential. This visionary and optimistic book explores how technology gives our lives greater meaning and is a must-read for anyone curious about the future.

Evaluates the negative impact of digital network technologies on the economy and particularly the middle class, citing challenges to employment and personal wealth while exploring the potential of a new information economy.

Looks at the important issues that are often overlooked in the race to find the best, fastest, and most cutting-edge technological wonders.

The perfect gift for anyone interested in tech and gadgetry, this book provides fans of the long-running TV show with an insight into the minds of Craig Charles and the team, while offering tech-heads young and old the lowdown on the coolest gear and gizmos out there - and what to look out for in the not-too-distant future.

"You might have trouble imagining life without your social media accounts, but virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier insists that we're better off without them. In Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now, Lanier, who participates in no social media, offers powerful and personal reasons for all of us to leave these dangerous online platforms"--

Bluetooth, HDTV, SEMs, PSP and Wii, your child's world is full of cool gadgets and clever technology- want them to know how it all works? Watch them open up the cool lenticular cover of this paperback edition to reveal what's inside their games console, how spies use GSM for covert operations and look at the world's fastest robot, virtual online worlds and more. It's a microscopic, x-rayed, cross-sectioned and close-up look at loads of amazing gadgets and technology!

A one-stop resource for each aspect of designing and developing Sidebar gadgets, this handbook is ideal for anyone who wants to create killer gadgets. This volume includes complete design instructions for four never-before-seen gadgets and provides ready-to-use samples using .NET, XML, CSS and AJAX.

The award-winning author of The Net Delusion shows how the radical transparency we've become accustomed to online may threaten the spirit of real-life democracy