Connect with us

Technology

Don’t judge this solar car just by its size

Published

on

Don’t judge this solar car just by its size

How would you like to drive a car that runs on sunlight? Sounds cool, right? Well, that’s what the Solar City micro EV from Squad Mobility can do for you. It’s a small, cheap, and green car that can zip through the city streets without using any gas. And the best part is, it’s coming out in 2025.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Solar city vehicle (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The solar-powered car by the numbers

Imagine driving a tiny car that runs on sunlight. That’s what these vehicles are all about. They have solar panels on the roof that can power them for up to 19 miles on a sunny day, depending on where you are. The Squad can also go as fast as 25 mph, which is not bad for a solar car.

Solar panels on roof of vehicle (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Advertisement

But what if you need to go further or faster? No problem. These vehicles also have batteries that you can charge and swap. Each car can hold up to four batteries, which can give you a range of up to 62 miles.

Squad batteries (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

And they have plenty of space for your stuff, with 168 liters of storage. They also have two motors on the back wheels, two doors, a roll cage, safety belts, and four-wheel disk brakes, and a parking brake. The (LSV/L6) model seats two people while the (L7) model seats four people.

Squad seats and seat belts (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

They also offer easy parking in tight city spaces and quick maneuverability through traffic.

Advertisement

Squad pulling into parking space (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: WHY THIS MULTIPURPOSE ELECTRIC SCOOTER MIGHT SOON BE COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

No need to worry about plugging in your solar car

Squad’s solar cars work differently from regular EVs. These cars get charged every day throughout their lives. When the battery is full, it can’t take any more charge. But most users find that the daily usage and solar charge are well-balanced. On average, micro-cars drive about 7.5 miles per day, while Squad’s solar panel can give up to 13.7 miles of charge daily.

Squad vehicles in parking lot (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Solar car safety and regulations

Squad vehicles are designed with safety in mind. According to the company, the Solar City car has several safety features, such as:

Advertisement
  • A steel chassis that protects the passengers from impacts and collisions
  • A roll cage that prevents the roof from collapsing in case of a rollover
  • A seat belt and airbag system that reduces the risk of injury in case of a crash
  • A rearview camera and parking sensors that help the driver maneuver in tight spaces and avoid obstacles
  • A digital dashboard that displays the speed, battery level, solar power, and other information
  • A GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity that allow the driver to access maps, music, and phone calls

Squad battery wall (Squad Mobility) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW A FORMULA E RACE CAR WAS BUILT ENTIRELY FROM RECYCLED ELECTRIC WASTE

Meeting city demands with solar-powered vehicles

Cities worldwide face significant challenges related to space, emissions, and charging infrastructure. Squad addresses these concerns with its commitment to:

  • A small vehicle footprint that optimizes scarce public space
  • Emission-free, sustainable design and production
  • Independence from traditional charging infrastructure
  • Solar and regular power infrastructure charging options

Squad: solar at its core

All Squad vehicles, both current and future models, come equipped with integrated solar PV panels. This commitment to solar power ensures that every Squad on the road is a solar car. Squad is not just stopping at its current offerings. The company is actively developing a four-person L7 model, which will cater to families with children. This strategic move will keep the Squad’s size and weight low while maximizing efficiency.

Price of the solar car

The Solar City car is expected to cost around $6,250 before tax and will be available in the U.S. in 2025.

MORE: HOW THE MOTOR CITY IS PAVING THE WAY FOR WIRELESS CHARGING ROADS EVERYWHERE

Kurt’s key takeaways

What if you could zip around town in a sleek, solar-powered vehicle? That’s the vision of Squad, a company that is reimagining urban mobility with its innovative solar cars. Squad wants to make transportation more sustainable, efficient, and fun for everyone.

Advertisement

Would you feel comfortable driving or riding in such a tiny car? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Ideas for using those Holiday Gift cards:

Advertisement

Best gifts for women

Best gifts for men

22 best gifts for kids

Best gifts for pets

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement

Technology

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

Published

on

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

The YouTube watch screen has been given a new look on TVs. The redesign aims to provide a “more intuitive experience with easier navigation,” according to YouTube’s announcement, relocating the video title and several controls, and adding a new “Description” button to access creator information and other video features.

I’m already seeing the update on my own Nvidia Shield Pro streaming box and native Phillips TV OS, and I do think it makes it easier to find specific video features and controls. My colleague Thomas Ricker says he isn’t seeing the redesign in Apple TV’s YouTube player, however, so they may still be rolling out. These changes are pretty delayed, considering YouTube announced in April that they would arrive “this summer.”

Videos on the YouTube app for TV will now show the title in the top left corner of the screen instead of just above the video scrubber at the bottom of the page, and the title can no longer be clicked to open comments, metadata, and information about the creator. Instead, those controls are now available by clicking the new “Description” button. The channel thumbnail and subscribe function have also been separated into two buttons, with the creator’s thumbnail now taking users directly to their channel.

Controls have been reorganized into distinct groups under the video scrubber: Channel, Description, and Subscribe on the left, Previous, Pause/Play, and Next in the center, and Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings placed into two groups on the right. YouTube says the Subscribe button will remain visible to subscribers, adapting to flag pay-gated content or alert users to new live streams. A “Multiview” control has also been added for live sports content, while Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control.

Continue Reading

Technology

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

Published

on

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Holiday travel and winter storms create risky moments for drivers and families. Stress rises fast during emergencies, and describing the scene to 911 can feel overwhelming. 

Now, a new Android feature closes that gap by providing live visual information that helps responders act with speed and accuracy.

If you use an iPhone, Apple offers a similar tool through its Emergency SOS Live Video feature. You can learn how it works right here.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.   

Advertisement

HOW ANDROID MALWARE LETS THIEVES ACCESS YOUR ATM CASH

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 a secure live view of the scene, so responders understand what is happening right away. (Cyberguy.com)

What Android Emergency Live Video does

Google is rolling out Android Emergency Live Video to give dispatchers a secure view of the scene during an active call or text. A dispatcher can request a live video stream through your phone when it is safe for you to share it. With a single tap, you can stream real-time video that helps responders understand what is happening.

This can help during car accidents, medical emergencies or fast-moving hazards such as wildfire conditions. Live video can also help dispatchers guide you through steps that save lives, such as CPR, until responders arrive.

APPLE NOW LETS YOU ADD YOUR PASSPORT TO YOUR PHONE’S WALLET

Advertisement

How the Android Emergency Live Video feature works

Android designed this tool to work with no setup. When you call or text 911, the dispatcher reviews the situation. If they decide video would help, they will send a request to your phone. You see a clear prompt that lets you choose whether to start the secure stream. The feature uses encryption and gives you full control. You can stop sharing at any moment.

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is rolling out across the U.S. and select regions in Germany and Mexico. Google plans to expand coverage with more public safety partners.

How to use Emergency Live Video on Android

You cannot turn this feature on in advance. It appears only during an active 911 call or text.

1) Call or text 911 on your Android phone. The dispatcher reviews your situation.

2) Watch for a request on your screen. If the dispatcher decides live video will help, they send a prompt to your device.

Advertisement

3) Tap the notification that appears. You will see a clear message asking if you want to share live video.

4) Choose Share video to start streaming. This opens your camera and begins a secure live feed.

5) Tap Stop sharing at any time. You stay in control the entire time and can end the video at any time.

With one tap, you can choose to share real-time video during a 911 call or text which gives dispatchers the clarity they need to guide you. (CyberGuy.com)

Why Emergency Live Video on Android matters now

Emergencies create confusion. Sharing details verbally takes time and can lead to miscommunication. Video removes guesswork. Responders gain clarity in seconds, which can speed up help and improve outcomes. This tool builds on Android’s safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection.

Advertisement

NEW ANDROID ATTACK TRICKS YOU INTO GIVING DANGEROUS PERMISSIONS

Alastair Breeze, a Software Engineer for Android, tells CyberGuy that the team built this feature with one goal in mind. “Providing people peace of mind is at the core of Android’s safety mission. Android Emergency Live Video gives you the ability to securely share real-time video to provide dispatchers the critical eyes-on-scene context they need to assist in emergencies.”

What this means to you

If you carry an Android phone, this feature adds another layer of protection during moments that demand quick action. You stay in control of when the video is shared. You also get a simple way to show the situation when describing it feels impossible. Faster clarity can lead to faster help, which can shape how an emergency ends.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com. 

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer and helps responders act faster during emergencies when seconds matter. (Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY)

Advertisement

Kurt’s key takeaways

Android Emergency Live Video brings real-time awareness to moments when every second matters. It gives responders a clear view, so they can guide you through urgent steps if necessary. Most of all, it adds peace of mind during situations no one plans for.

Would you feel comfortable sharing live video during an emergency if it helped responders reach you faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. 

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Technology

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

Published

on

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

The Game Awards are back once again to showcase a metric ton of commercials, provide the gaming public with their monthly dose of Muppets, and validate gamers’ opinions on which title should be named the Game of the Year. I don’t wanna say it’s a foregone conclusion what this year’s GOTY will be — Silksong may surprise us — but it’s pretty obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the frontrunner and for good reason. It’s netted 12 nominations, the most out of this year’s contenders, including all five craft awards (Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design).

On the announcements side, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games are planning something related to the Tomb Raider series. Keighley also probably had plans to reveal big news about Resident Evil: Requiem, but unfortunately it got spoiled early thanks to some leaked key art on the PlayStation Store. Here’s all the news, announcements, and trailers from The Game Awards 2025.

Continue Reading

Trending