TOOLS AND WEAPONS The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age

In this commentary on the Digital Age, authors/narrators Brad Smith and Carol Ann Browne paint a glowing picture of Microsoft, where they work as senior legal and communications advisers, respectively. Browne narrates an introduction that is a bit too heavy on projection and a bit light on warmth. Smith narrates the rest in a raspy voice that sometimes comes across as reading rather than speaking. They cover a range of topics such as artificial intelligence, privacy, politics, and some of their legal problems over the years. Often, they explain their viewpoints and how they worked within Microsoft to make positive changes. At times, their thoughts prove less convincing because of Smith's narration. He is too often so focused on narrating clearly that he misses the opportunity to sound persuasive. L.E. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2020]