This book closes a trilogy of ruminations on the social implications of technology by William J. Mitchell, Professor of Architecture and Media Arts and Sciences, and Dean of Architecture and Planning at MIT. The previous two titles were e-topia [1] and City of bits [2].

This last book uses wireless technology to frame the author’s view of the separation of the physical and the virtual, and the reintegration thereof. He argues that there is something world transforming in the shrinking of wireless technology. The hardware is shrinking, and devices can now be seen as extensions of the human body. Our relationship to the real world, and to each other, is changing. The use of cell phones on 9/11, from hijacked planes and damaged buildings, demonstrates the intensity of this new state. The trial separation of information and matter has come to an end.

Mitchell follows a path well worn, and, in my opinion, one more illuminated by science fiction authors. A novel such as He, she, and it [3] reveals more intellectual depth and moral dilemmas than shown in this book. The discussion here is not only shallow, but very selective. For examples of omission, one can see what is not in the index of this slim volume. Missing are the words “freedom,” “privacy,” “inequality,” and “digital divide.” “Encryption” has a reference to a single page. At least weapons systems and warfare are mentioned, and there are many references to surveillance.

This book will appeal mostly to fans of the author’s previous works. Most others will find more satisfaction in material that is either more technical or more imaginative.