Technology

Sheriff’s office tests America’s first self-driving police SUV

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2025

Sheriff’s office tests America’s first self-driving police SUV

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The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office recently announced a bold experiment that could redefine the future of law enforcement. The department introduced the Police Unmanned Ground Vehicle Patrol Partner, or PUG, which it claims is America’s first fully autonomous patrol vehicle.

Developed with the nonprofit Policing Lab and Perrone Robotics, the SUV can drive itself, detect suspicious activity through artificial intelligence-powered cameras and even deploy drones for aerial surveillance.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the year-long pilot program is designed to explore how advanced technology can improve public safety, extend deputy resources and increase efficiency. The vehicle will initially operate on predetermined patrol routes and will have a deputy seated in the front during testing. Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz called it a way to “set the standard for what will be the future of law enforcement in this country.”

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AI-powered sensors and drones provide officers with real-time awareness as the community observes this new approach. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service)

Inside the Police Unmanned Ground Patrol Partner

The PUG Patrol Partner is packed with high-tech features. It integrates with police databases, license plate readers and crime analytics software in real time. Its 360-degree cameras and thermal imaging sensors allow it to identify people or vehicles in restricted areas, even in low-light conditions. The vehicle can also launch drones equipped with thermal cameras to monitor larger areas or assist in active incidents.

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A community tablet installed on the PUG lets residents interact with the vehicle and offer feedback during public events. This interactive component is a way to bridge the gap between technology and trust, helping people understand how the system works while giving them a voice in shaping its use.

Miami-Dade’s new autonomous patrol vehicle begins its first trial run and offers a look at the future of modern policing. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg)

Why the PUG matters

The PUG represents a new approach to community safety. Advocates call it a “force multiplier” that automates routine patrols, increases situational awareness and frees deputies to focus on complex human interactions. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office sees it as a partner, not a replacement, for human officers.

Still, questions remain about privacy, data collection and long-term costs. Although the first unit was donated, future vehicles could cost between $150,000 and $200,000 each. The trial period will measure the vehicle’s impact on response times, deterrence, officer safety and public confidence. If the results are positive, Miami-Dade could become a national model for autonomous policing.

What begins in Miami-Dade today could soon expand across the country and reshape how safety and surveillance work together. (Giorgio Viera/AFP)

What this means to you

For people in Miami-Dade County, the arrival of the PUG could reshape how everyday policing looks and feels. You may soon see the self-driving vehicle patrolling neighborhoods, monitoring events and collecting information through its network of cameras and sensors. Its AI systems can process and respond to situations faster than human officers, raising new questions about transparency, accountability and how data from public spaces will be managed.

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However, this project reaches far beyond Miami-Dade. Other law enforcement agencies are paying close attention to see whether the program succeeds. If it performs well, similar vehicles could begin appearing in major cities across the country. Communities from coast to coast may soon face the same discussions about safety, surveillance and trust that Miami residents are having today. People will need to decide what balance they want between innovation and privacy and how technology should support public safety.

As the pilot continues, community participation will matter more than ever. Residents, civic leaders and advocacy groups can shape how this technology develops by speaking up about clear rules, fair data use and transparency. The results from Miami-Dade could influence how police departments nationwide use automation in the years ahead. This is a moment to pay attention, ask questions and help guide the direction of modern policing before it becomes standard practice everywhere.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The debut of the autonomous patrol vehicle marks a milestone in American law enforcement. It blends innovation with controversy, hope with hesitation. Supporters believe it can enhance safety and efficiency, while critics worry about surveillance overreach and cost. The truth will emerge over the next year as data and public feedback shape the path forward. Change has arrived on four wheels, powered by code and cameras. The question is whether society will guide that change responsibly or let technology take the wheel.

Are you ready for a self-driving police SUV patrolling your neighborhood, or does the idea of robotic law enforcement cross the line for you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

Porsche crowns Cayenne Electric ‘most powerful production Porsche of all time’

Published

4 hours ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

Porsche crowns Cayenne Electric ‘most powerful production Porsche of all time’

It’s no surprise that the Porsche Cayenne EV is a beast. Of course the famed German automaker would tout its all-electric SUV as “the most powerful,” the quickest — both off the line and in a charging stall — and record-setting in so many ways. The question remains: how beastly are we talking?

Now, thankfully, the Cayenne Electric is coming more into focus. Today, the new Cayenne is officially joining the existing lineup of gas and hybrid Caynne powertrains to round out what the automaker is calling “a new era for Porsche.”

It makes sense that Porsche would be trying to turn a new page. After all, this is an automaker long touted as the epitome of German engineering prowess that presently finds itself mired in a crisis. US tariffs, plus an unrelenting price war in China, has fueled steep losses at Porsche, including a $1.1 billion operating loss in the third quarter alone. And EV sales, especially in the luxury segment, are looking increasingly fraught in the current environment.

Can the Cayenne Electric help turn things around? The specs alone certainly suggest a paradigm shift may be under way: up to 850kW (1,139hp) of power, 0-60mph in 2.4 seconds, a top speed of 162mph and, under ideal conditions, up to 400kW charging power, for a 10-80 percent state of charge in just 18 minutes. The Cayenne Electric will be the first electric Porsche to support inductive charging. When parked above a floor plate, the EV can charge at speeds of up to 11kW.

At launch, the electric SUV will come in two variants: Cayenne Electric, starting at $111,350 (including destination charge); and the $165,350 Cayenne Turbo Electric. Clearly, these are not the affordable EVs that we were promised, nor do they pretend to be. After all, it’s Porsche.

As such, there’s a lot of go-fast ingenuity built into the Cayenne Electric. In addition to an output of 1,139hp, the dual-motor SUV is capable of 1,106lb-ft of torque when Launch Control is activated. In normal driving mode, up to 630kW (844hp) is available. And with a Push-to-Pass function, an additional 130kW (173hp) can be activated for 10 seconds at the push of a button. The standard model has 300kW (402hp) in normal operation and 325kW (435hp) and 615lb-ft of torque in Launch Control. This version can gallop from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds with a top track speed of 143mph.

But the Cayenne Electric won’t just be a beast on the track. Porsche is also claiming that the new SUV will be able to tow up to 3.5 tons, or 7,716lbs — when properly equipped. The automaker has been teasing this insane capability for a while now, but it still bears repeating: 3.5 tons. That’s more than a Toyota Tacoma.

The automaker is making a lot of hay of its traction control and suspension system. The Cayenne Electric will be the first SUV to get Active Ride, the hydraulic suspension system found on the Taycan and Panamera. And the adaptive air suspension is fitted as standard on both models. And the Turbo trim features Porsche’s torque vectoring limited-slip rear differential.

Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, the Cayenne Electric’s 113kWh battery pack can be replenished at speeds up to 400kW (if you can find a charger that meets that specification). The Cayenne Electric will come equipped with a Tesla Supercharger/NACS fast-charging port on the driver-side rear fender, and a CCS/AC-only charging port on the passenger-side rear fender.

Most Cayenne owners will likely charge at home, and for that, Porsche has a new inductive charging pad for those that prefer to do their charging wirelessly. The charging pad made its debut at IAA Mobility in Munich earlier this year, though Porsche has yet to announce a price. Once the electric Cayenne is parked in the correct position over a plate on the ground, it can accept a charge from another plate underneath its body.

We’ve already covered the Cayenne Electric’s unique interior design. Yes, I’m talking about the bending screen. Porsche calls it the Flow Display, a vertically installed screen that curves toward the bottom. It’s the largest screen ever to be featured in a Porsche and it will run on Porsche’s all new operating system, which the automaker claims will “flow” harmoniously throughout the vehicle’s interior.

Porsche didn’t provide measurements for the Flow Display, but it said that it would be bookended by a 14.25-inch OLED instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch optional passenger display. Considering Porsche is on tap to receive Apple’s newly immersive CarPlay Ultra, one wonders how phone mirroring will work with this massive curved display.

There will also be a heads-up display that simulates an “87-inch display area 10 meters in front of the vehicle.” But before you go complaining about an overreliance on digital controls, Porsche says that frequently used functions, such as HVAC and volume control, are analog. And a hand rest called the “Ferry pad” has been developed to help the driver operate digital and analog controls ergonomically.

Porsche claims the new Cayenne prioritizes driver engagement with a new AI-powered voice assistant, which can “reliably” understand complex instructions and spontaneous follow-up questions without repeating the activation word. The voice assistant controls climate, seat heating, and ambient lighting, while also recognizing addresses, points of interest, and traffic information.

The Cayenne Electric and Turbo Electric are available to order now, with customer deliveries expected in summer 2026.

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Andrew J. Hawkins

Technology

Popular TP-Link routers could be banned after risks exposed

Published

5 hours ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

Popular TP-Link routers could be banned after risks exposed

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A major national security debate is unfolding, and it affects more than government networks. It touches your home, your devices, and the Wi-Fi your family uses every day. The Commerce Department has proposed blocking new sales of TP-Link products after a months-long review into the company’s ties to China, citing a growing TP-Link security risk.

Multiple agencies, including Homeland Security and Defense, supported that proposal. They believe the company’s connections could expose American networks to foreign influence.

Security experts warn that foreign-backed hackers have targeted home and office routers for years. These devices often act as silent stepping stones that help attackers move deeper into sensitive systems. When compromised, they can expose everything connected to them, including computers, smart home gear, military devices used on base and more.

This potential ban would be one of the biggest consumer tech actions in U.S. history. It comes as lawmakers raise fresh alarms about Chinese-made cameras, routers and connected home products sold on military exchanges and in homes across the country.

CHINESE HACKERS BREACH US NUCLEAR SECURITY AGENCY IN CYBERATTACK OPERATION, OFFICIALS SAY

The proposed TP-Link ban stems from growing concerns that foreign-linked routers and cameras could expose American homes and networks to outside influence. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why military families are even more vulnerable

Lawmakers from both parties say military households face extra risk. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who leads a bipartisan group of 23 lawmakers, warns that TP-Link cameras and networking devices sold on Army, Navy and Air Force exchange sites could expose sensitive footage from base housing and dorms. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) echoed that concern, saying these devices could act as a backdoor for Chinese intelligence to collect information on service members and their families. Even when products appear out of stock, officials worry they remain popular in military communities.

These lawmakers say Chinese laws could force companies to share data or push hidden software changes that weaken U.S. networks. They argue that this creates a real risk for households on or near military installations. While TP-Link disputes every allegation and states that it stores U.S. data inside America, lawmakers want a deeper investigation.

“China will use any way to infiltrate us, and we must ensure they cannot access our homeland or military bases,” said Ernst.”High-tech security cameras sending video and audio directly back to Beijing must be treated like the grave threat that they are. We have seen this playbook from China before, with Huawei Technologies, and need the Trump administration to investigate and determine if TP-Link is a trojan horse compromising our national security.”

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How Congress is responding to TP-Link security risks

Sen. Ernst is pressing the Commerce Department to finish its investigation by November 30. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, says TP-Link could give the Chinese government access to American networks and wants faster action. Their concerns reflect past decisions involving Huawei and Kaspersky, which lost access to the U.S. market due to national security risks.

Congressional leaders say foreign-made smart home devices sold on military bases should face strict scrutiny. They see routers, cameras and other connected home gear as critical targets in a time when cyberthreats continue to grow.

We reached out to TP-Link Systems Inc., and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with the following statement:

“TP-Link Systems Inc. (TP-Link), an American company based in California, refutes the claims in this letter. This letter repeats false and misleading media reports and attacks that have been thoroughly debunked.

TP-Link emphatically objects to any allegation it is tied to the Communist Party of China, dependent on the Chinese government, or otherwise subject to interference under Chinese national security laws. The company is not controlled by any government, foreign or domestic. TP-Link has split from and has no affiliation with the China-based TP-LINK Technologies Co. Ltd., which is separately owned and operated.

Lawmakers warn that TP-Link devices sold on military bases may put service members and their families at greater risk, especially inside base housing. (John Moore/Getty Images)

This letter has nothing to do with security and everything to do with a competitor trying to remove TP-Link Systems’ products from the marketplace. The “open source information” the members reference is actually a manufactured echo chamber of false and misleading attacks that the media has parroted over the past year. Instead of directly engaging with TP-Link Systems, these members essentially pressed “copy and paste” on unsubstantiated claims about our American company.

TP-Link has not been contacted by policymakers to discuss the alleged concerns, but if we were to meet with them, they would learn that TP-Link has located its core security functions and data infrastructure in the United States. U.S. user data is securely stored on Amazon Web Services infrastructure in Virginia, under the full control of the company’s U.S. operations.

TP-Link Systems currently holds a very small share of the U.S. security camera market, representing approximately 3% of the consumer market segment according to Circana checkout data. The company has virtually no business presence in the enterprise segment. Additionally, TP-Link Systems’ router market share in the U.S. has been inaccurately reported as being much higher than it actually is. Recent market research from Dell’Oro Group, Inc., found that TP-Link Systems’ market share of residential Wi-Fi router sales in North America is under 10%.

TP-Link does not enable foreign surveillance of U.S. networks or users. The company’s operations are built to prevent potential attempts to subvert its business by outside influence. TP-Link’s substantial security investments cover its entire product portfolio, including security cameras and routers.

TP-Link continually monitors its products and services and takes timely and appropriate action to address vulnerabilities it becomes aware of. TP-Link has not identified any reliable information regarding new vulnerabilities in its products in connection with this letter.”

FBI WARNS OF HACKERS EXPLOITING OUTDATED ROUTERS. CHECK YOURS NOW

Steps to protect yourself from this growing threat

Even as the debate continues, you can take simple steps to secure your home. These easy moves help defend against threats tied to any router brand.

1) Check your router and update it

Look at the brand on your router. Then update the firmware through the official app or web dashboard. If your device is several years old or no longer supported, replace it. Check out our article on the top routers for the best security at Cyberguy.com.

2) Change your Wi-Fi and admin passwords

Default passwords are dangerous. Create strong, unique passwords for both your Wi-Fi and the router’s admin panel. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 atCyberguy.com

Congress is pressing for a fast investigation amid fears that foreign-made smart home gear could become a gateway for cyberthreats across the country. (Cyberguy.com)

3) Use strong antivirus protection on every device

Threats like this continue to grow. Install strong, real-time antivirus protection on every computer, phone, and tablet in your home. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) Turn off any of these features you do not need

Disable remote access, WPS and extra features you never use. These settings can open doors for attackers.

5) Put smart home devices on a guest network

Keep laptops and phones on your main network. Put cameras, plugs, TVs and IoT devices on a separate guest network so they cannot reach your sensitive devices.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The debate around TP-Link shows how something as routine as a home router can become part of a broader security conversation. Whether or not the government issues a ban, this moment is a clear reminder that cybersecurity starts at home. Small steps make a meaningful difference in how well your devices stand up against foreign-backed hacking groups.

Should the government ban router brands linked to foreign influence or should consumers decide for themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

The best early Black Friday deals we’ve found so far on laptops, TVs, and more

Published

22 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Press Room

The best early Black Friday deals we’ve found so far on laptops, TVs, and more

Black Friday is the most anticipated day of the year for bargain hunters. While there’s still some time to go before November 28th, we’re already starting to see a healthy selection of early discounts, allowing you to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Right now, for instance, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are on sale for $50 off, while Apple’s latest 13-inch MacBook Air — our pick for the best laptop — is down to an all-time low of $749.99.

However, that’s just a taste of what’s to come in November. As the month goes on, we’re expecting to see even more deals — including sizable drops on robovacs, TVs, and headphones. In fact, retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have already shared when we can expect their latest sales. We’ll be updating this guide over the next couple of weeks, too, so be sure to check back as we approach the main event.

Headphone and earbud deals

Smartwatch and fitness tracker deals

Tablet and e-reader deals

Soundbar and speaker deals

Update, November 18th: Adjusted pricing / availability and added several new deals, including those for the JBL Flip 7 and the Hatch Restore 3. Sheena Vasani and Brandt Ranj also contributed to this post.