From The Portalist:
In 1993, sci-fi author Vernor Vinge predicted that by 2030, civilization would face what he termed 'the singularity' - a point of no return in which artificial intelligence develops the ability to eternally improve itself. Vinge cautioned this tech explosion could lead to the end of human civilization as we know it, and scientists like Stephen Hawking have agreed. From tales of micro-computers run amok to romances between man and machine, these ten books about the robot revolution can prepare you for an A.I. uprising, whatever it may look like:
10 Books About the Robot Revolution to Read Before the Singularity

Greg is interviewed in two new episodes of the "What Are You Afraid Of?" podcast by horror writers T. Fox Dunham & Phil Thomas. They cover a wide range of topics from the common mistakes authors make to the evolution of artificial intelligence. Subscribe to the podcast through your favorite podcast app or download directly through these links:

[Episode 139: Greg Bear, Darwin's Author]
[Episode 140: Greg Ber & Bear's Ghost]

Isaac Asimov's novel The Naked Sun is an interesting premonition of our present situation of social distancing in viral times. Asimov created the planet Solaria, populated by only 20,000 people, all served on their great estates by robots—and separated from each other in all circumstances except mating. They rarely interact. And to a great extent that's where we are now. Asimov's robot mysteries are among my favorites, and this is an excellent one - a fine variation on the locked-room mystery - but I never imagined I would experience it personally! Our robots, alas, are not in humanoid servant form, but are spread between our homes and cities as vast networks supplying news and entertainment to mostly sessile audiences waiting for an all-clear. Our best wishes to all of you sacrificing society and companionship for the safety of our country—and here's to that time when we'll meet again! Soon, we hope.

Meantime, you might take a look at The Naked Sun, and remember when such things were just speculation!

Greg