All tech. No filler.
Join 900,000+ people who stay ahead of the tech curve with The Current, delivered daily. No fluff, no BS.
Breaking news and tips
The sound police are coming for ya
Look at that picture. What we’ve got here is not just another traffic camera, but a fully deputized decibel detective. Meet the sound police.
These new noise cameras are the cousins of speed and red-light cameras, but instead of catching you with a heavy foot, they’re busting you for a heavy exhaust.
No radar guns here, just sensitive microphones measuring every decibel you dish out. Too loud? Ticket’s on the way, courtesy of the volume vigilante.
🔊 Silence of the lambos
Each setup has super-sensitive microphones paired with a camera. If your car’s exhaust note tips over the legal decibel limit (often in the low 80s), the mic triggers the camera. It snaps your license plate faster than you can say “downshift,” and a ticket is on its way.
No police officer, no flashing lights, only stealthy surveillance keeping score 24/7. A story in The Wall Street Journal (paywall link) highlighted Newport, Rhode Island, where two of these were placed along scenic Ocean Avenue.
Within days, a Mustang GT got nailed for hitting 85 decibels, only two over the limit, and was slapped with a $250 fine. New York City’s had them since 2021. Get caught repeatedly, and you could be out nearly $2,500. Ouch.
🏎️ Too loud and furious
If you’re a neighbor who’s sick of the late-night “look at me” exhaust revs, you’re probably cheering. Imagine sitting on your porch and hearing the ocean instead of a rolling car meet.
Some of these tickets hit totally stock, street-legal cars.
And here’s where I gulp: When I’m in my Porsche and flip into manual mode, rowing through the gears with that beautiful exhaust note singing … let’s just say I’d better be ready for my close-up (and maybe my checkbook).
🚔 Roar and peace
Happy ‘National Relaxation Day’
😌 Rest assured, it’s a real thing … and the perfect excuse to treat yourself.
- 🧘♀️ Instant zen: An essential oil diffuser (46% off) brings the spa home. Such a great gift idea!
- 💪 Knot today, tension: This massage gun (35% off) has 4.5 stars and 34,000+ reviews for a reason.
- 🧊 Chill out: Memory foam pillows (27% off, two-pack) with cooling gel mean no pillow flipping at 2 a.m.
- 🔥 One-wrap wonder: Hot or cold, this therapy wrap (20% off) will soothe your hurt foot, elbow or wrist.
- 💋 Kiss dryness goodbye: Grace & stella’s lip mask (41% off) hydrates and repairs while you sleep.
💝 Because you deserve it: Why stop here? Click through to my Amazon page for more cozy comforts and gift-worthy gems.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🎥 She rang his doorbell. Smiled. Took his bank card. Then drained his bank account.
Scott Merovitch did everything right, or so he thought. A longtime Wells Fargo customer, he got a call that seemed totally legit. The person on the line knew his recent transactions. They said his debit card had been compromised and the bank needed to send someone to his house to collect it.
📱 Customize your Android home screen: Long-press an empty spot until the menu pops up. From there, you can change the Wallpaper, apply a new Theme, add Widgets, or change Settings like the Home screen layout. You’ll also see a (+) icon you can tap to add another home screen page.
TikTok’s new craze: A 9-year-old camera. Yep, the social media gods have crowned the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS as the best point-and-shoot camera for that “perfectly imperfect” vibe. It was $360 new in 2016. Now it’s out of stock on Canon’s site, and used ones are selling for up to $600. Nostalgia always cashes in.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Apple caught red handed
A tiny California company took on Apple in a battle over stolen tech. There were secret meetings, key hires, and a surprise twist. Now, after years in court, justice is finally served.
17.75
The average turbulence score on America’s bumpiest flight. The eddy dissipation rate (EDR) is basically a nerdy way to measure how violently the air’s shaking you around. Albuquerque to Denver nails it, turning a short hop over the Rockies into a midair mechanical bull ride. Expect seat belt signs, coffee spills and a nervous chuckle from the flight attendant.
Fix your mouse on MacBook: Go to System Settings > Mouse > Tracking speed to adjust how fast the pointer moves. If you’re coming from a Windows PC, go to Secondary click and set it to Click Right Side for a more familiar feeling. Bonus: You can also try out the free Mos app for smoother scrolling.
Secrets that lurk in home listings
Want the dirt on your neighbor’s house? See what they paid, what they owe, and more. Here’s where to look.
🪞 Give TSA a nice big smile: Actually, don’t. TSA’s new Touchless ID scans your face instead of your ID at PreCheck lanes. The perks? Faster lines. Currently live in 15 airports, four airlines and maybe every dystopian novel you’ve read. TSA says the pics self-destruct in 24 hours, but Congress is eyeing a law to stop your face from being their favorite souvenir.
Grime time
🏠 Mess is inevitable. Being ready for it is the real magic.
- 🔌 Cut the cord: The 60-min battery on this cordless vacuum (38% off) powers through your place in one go.
- 😅 No drilling, no drama: Stick these push towel hooks (23% off, four-pack) to any wall.
- ☕ Brew better: Descaling solution (14% off, six-pack) keeps your coffee fresh. 4.4 stars & 35,000+ reviews.
- 🧺 Softer touch: Cut drying time and fluff your laundry with reusable dryer balls (10% off, six-pack).
- ♻️ The right fit: These leak-proof mini garbage bags (15% off) are perfect for small bins.
⭐ Best of the best: See what’s topping Amazon’s Best Sellers chart, and shop my handpicked favorites on my storefront. Just a click away!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
3-second tech genius
No skills? No problem. George, your AI host, shows you AI art tools that bring your craziest ideas to life. Plus, secret hacks to supercharge your gadgets … and a surfing cat.
Charlie Chaplin’s in theaters after 100 years
Charlie Chaplin famously rereleased his 1925 silent classic The Gold Rush in 1942 with new narration and edits, believing it would connect better with modern audiences. Now, thanks to film archivists and AI, the silent masterpiece has been painstakingly restored. The 4K version just premiered at Cannes and hit 250 theaters worldwide.
Blood oxygen’s back: I didn’t say Apple stole blood‑oxygen tech, but … you be the judge. They wooed Masimo in 2013, nabbed trade secrets, hired their talent, then shipped the feature anyway. Masimo sued, won, and Apple got benched and probably paid up. Now the blood-oxygen reading is back, so update your Apple Series 9, 10 or Ultra 2 watch today.
📼 Digitize your old VHS tapes: You don’t have to keep watching them on a VCR. Use a converter to transfer those memories onto your computer. No time? Got a lot of money? Walmart, Costco or Walgreens can do it for you. Prices usually run $16 to $35 per tape.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
We got scammed out of $200K
Bill and his wife thought they were investing in crypto. Instead, they got wiped out. Then, how AI could take down Google Chrome. Plus, Silicon Valley’s obsession with “super smart” babies, the secret world of spy radio, and crypto’s path to your 401(k).
The right ‘pour’ decisions
👩🍳 Big flavor doesn’t need a big footprint, just these handy tools.
- ☕ Sip happens: Keep your coffee or tea piping hot with a smart mug warmer (50% off).
- 💦 Pitcher perfect: Snag this 10-cup pitcher (20% off) with 4.6 stars and 15,000+ rave reviews.
- 🥫 Can-do attitude: One touch and this electric can opener (40% off) handles any lid size.
- 🍱 No microwave? No prob. This heated lunchbox (21% off) serves a toasty meal in 30 minutes.
- 🥬 Lettuce stay fresh: These fridge containers (20% off, three-pack) double as strainers. Neat.
😋 Stir up some more: Hit this secret link for more extra-hot deals. Then, browse my Amazon shop for a full buffet of clever kitchen gear.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Be a hot-spot hero and always place your Wi-Fi router out in the open and high up for the best connection. Thick walls and nearby electrical appliances are major Wi-Fi signal killers.
📱 Fake antivirus, real spyware: A malicious Android app called LunaSpy has been posing as antivirus or banking protection software, spreading via sketchy Telegram and text links. Instead of scanning for threats, it steals data, tracks you and can even record you. What a pitch: “Antivirus” but it’s the virus. Need legit antivirus software? I trust TotalAV. For just $19 for the first year, you get rock-solid protection on up to five devices.