What is the role of technology in 'The Peripheral'?

In William Gibson's novel 'The Peripheral,' technology plays a central role in the plot and the world in which it is set. The story takes place in two distinct time periods, one near-future and one further in the future, and features a range of advanced technologies that impact both worlds.

In the near-future world, characters interact with a variety of technological devices that are familiar to us today, such as smartphones and drones, but also with more advanced technologies such as 3D printing and advanced prosthetics. The story explores the ways in which these technologies shape society and how people interact with one another.

The further-future world is characterized by even more advanced technologies, including nanotechnology and the ability to create alternate realities. These technologies are used by powerful individuals and organizations to manipulate events in the past and shape the future to their own ends.

The novel raises important questions about the role of technology in society, the potential consequences of technological progress, and the impact of advanced technologies on power dynamics. It also explores the ways in which technology can both empower and disempower individuals and groups.