Hardware Podcasts

221: Hiding in Plain Sight

Embedded.fm · 2 Nov 2017 · 1h 08m · Episode 221

What this episode covers

Author Jimmy Soni, co-author of the biography A Mind at Play, discusses the life and work of Claude Shannon, the founder of information theory and digital circuit theory. Soni explains how Shannon’s unique blend of mathematical theory and practical engineering led to breakthroughs like Boolean algebra applied to circuits and the concept of the 'bit.' The conversation highlights Shannon’s introverted nature, his refusal of public fame, and his playful inventions, such as a roulette-beating wearable device and a mouse solving an electronic maze. Soni details the research process for the book, including interviews with Shannon’s colleagues and the discovery of his correspondence with figures like L. Ron Hubbard and Steve Jobs.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Bell Labs, Apple Computer
Also
Claude Shannon, Boolean algebra, Steve Jobs

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