Why Electric Cars Are Required to Make Noise

April 11, 2023

If you’ve ever ridden in an electric car, you know they’re super quiet, which makes sense because they don’t have an internal combustion engine. But, if you pass one on the street or in a parking lot, you may have noticed that they do actually make noise. But why? In our top story, Cory explains that EVs are required by law to make some noise. He goes into why that is, what kinds of sounds they’re made to make, why this contributes to public safety if you can turn off your EV noises, and what the future of synthetic EV noises might sound like.

Other Highlights:

• The Lofi Girl has gone missing!
• Tesla’s upcoming software update is packed with goodies you’ve been asking for.
• The FBI warns against using public USB charging stations.
• … and more!

— Danny

Have you ever walked past an EV backing out of a parking spot and wondered, “What’s that humming noise?” Electric vehicles are much quieter than your typical gas-powered car, nearly silent at low speeds, but are required by law to make certain noises. Read More »

This project-based course has been designed by a team of expert authors to get you up and running with Python. You’ll work though engaging projects that’ll enable you to leverage your newfound Python skills efficiently in technical jobs, personal projects, and job interviews. The book will help you gain an edge in data science, web development, and software development, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in Python and pursue advanced topics on your own. Download your copy today to get started.

An affordable microphone can instantly improve your video calls, or even open the door to amateur recordings. If you’re just looking to get your foot in the door, I strongly suggest buying a Bumblebee II, as it captures 24-bit audio at a 96kHz sample rate and works over USB cable. Just don’t buy it at full price. Read More »

April 18, 2023 is fast approaching — have you filed your taxes yet? If you’re putting off this necessary evil due to cost, you might be surprised to learn there’s free filing software available online. Here are the top six programs to help you tackle your taxes. Read More »

A laptop-tablet duo might sound gimmicky, but Lenovo is here to thwart those assumptions. The brand’s latest 2023 2-in-1 model, the Yoga 9i Gen 8 laptop, builds on the excellent reputation of “Yoga” as a premier foldable device. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Are you carrying around one of those crappy plastic air pumps? The CYCPLUS A8 air compressor runs on a rechargeable battery, allowing you to quickly inflate tires or balls on the go. It’s a killer option for cyclists, motorcyclists, and athletes who want to stay in action even when things go wrong. Just toss it in your bag and hit the road.

Note that the CYCPLUS A8 can also inflate car tires. But if you’re worried about car tires, I suggest keeping a wired air compressor in your car—the CYCPLUS A8 is intended for situations where you don’t have wired power.

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

When Google announced the March Pixel feature drop, it had several improvements in the camera department. However, not all those immediately arrived for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, but a new Google Camera app update rolling out now enabled the changes. Read More »

The Lofi Girl livestream is a cultural touchstone. It offers a never-ending supply of relaxing music with a simple animated image of a girl studying by her window. But the Lofi Girl has disappeared from her YouTube livestream, and in her place is a teaser for a mysterious website. Read More »

Teaching a child or a teenager to code can give them a sense of pride, or even put them on track for a career in technology. That’s why the Raspberry Pi Foundation is now launching its online Code Editor in beta. It’s a free and simple tool that lets you run, save, and export code from the browser. Read More »

A huge benefit of owning a Tesla is how often the vehicle and its companion app get software updates, even if they don’t always have the changes people want. Now, it looks like Tesla is testing a massive new software release (v2023.12) with text size controls, phone call controls, and more. Read More »

The FBI is warning the public against using publicly available USB charging stations to power up their devices. In a tweet, the federal law enforcement agency’s Denver office stated that bad actors could deliver malware to your device while you’re charging. Read More »

Domino’s Pizza announced today that its mobile app now supports Apple CarPlay, making ordering a tasty hot pizza easier than ever while you’re on the go. Skip the drive-thru line or have food on the way before you get home after a hard day’s work. Read More »

Third-party Google Assistant smart displays from Lenovo, LG, and JBL no longer receive software support from Google. These devices have effectively reached End-of-Life and will slowly lose remaining functionality. (Lenovo’s Smart Clock is not affected by this change.) Read More »

A basic app on any smartphone is the weather app. Apple has one on the iPhone, Samsung has one on Galaxy devices, and many other device makers have their own weather apps. Google, however, still only has a web app. Read More »

We know saying goodbye is hard, but there are many items that you really need to get rid of after a certain period of time. We tend to assume that some products will last forever, but the truth is, almost everything has an expiration date, including everyday items that we use without giving a second thought. Read More »

You just plugged in your new Wi-Fi router. Now what? It’s a perfect time to set things up with best practices right from the start and get the most out of your faster, better, and up-to-date hardware. Read More »

True wireless earbuds have come a long way, with affordable models boasting features that would have only been available in high-end models a few years ago. The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro are a great example, offering hybrid active noise cancellation complete with a transparency mode on a budget. Read More »

You can go just about anywhere in the country and if you’re traveling through farmland, one thing will remain consistent—you’ll see a red barn. Red barns are nostalgic, and traditional, and feel like a piece of Americana. Read More »

When you’re buying a power supply, there are a few specs that you should take into account rather than just looking at its power output. One of them has taken on a lot of importance in recent times: 80+ rating. But what’s the difference between 80+ Gold and 80+ Platinum? Read More »

A cooling pad for your laptop can help prevent overheating when gaming and performing other demanding tasks. The best laptop cooling pads have adjustable fans and can fit a variety of laptop sizes. Read More »

A new week is here and so is a new crop of Netflix releases. From thrillers to crime documentaries, the streaming service is bringing binge-able content to you once again. Read More »