What’s the cost of showing up at airport security without a Real ID, besides annoying TSA and possibly missing your flight? Soon, it could be $18 per person, nonrefundable.

The Transportation Security Administration is proposing the fee for travelers who show up at airport security without a valid Real ID, which could include an enhanced driver’s license or a passport. States began issuing driver’s licenses with Real ID in 2016.

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In May, after several delays, Real IDs became mandatory at airports in the US, although the TSA does offer alternative ways to verify identity using extra security measures. The $18 fee would cover that additional work.

«This modernized, technology-enabled program will provide additional methods of alternative identity verification beyond what TSA currently provides and reduce the time required to verify identities using the existing method,» the TSA’s administration said in the proposal. «The current alternative identity verification process is time- and resource-intensive, limiting the number of individuals for whom TSA can provide the service.»

There’s no information on what would happen next with the proposal, or when it might move forward. It’s unclear when, if approved, the $18 fee would begin.

«TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints,» a representative for TSA told CNET. «Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days.»

How the fee would work

According to the proposal, TSA would not refund the $18 fee if someone fails the security check and doesn’t make it through after paying.

However, if successful, the traveler would be able to continue traveling for 10 days without a Real ID using a biometric kiosk, without having to pay the fee repeatedly.

Tech companies, including Apple, have been working to offer solutions to make mobile IDs easier. The company has recently added a feature that allows people to add a passport to Apple Wallet. Some states are also offering options to use your phone as ya substitute for your driver’s license.

It’s unlikely that the TSA would implement the fee before the holiday travel season this year. Ensuring you have a Real ID-friendly form of identification is a good idea if you have air travel in your future, regardless of the associated fee.

Google is bringing AI conversations to drivers in 45 countries with an update to Android Auto that adds Gemini software as a passenger. The ambitious global rollout of the AI chatbot technology to a potential 250 million cars equipped with Android Auto software will be available to those who have upgraded Google Assistant to Gemini AI on their phone.

Once enabled, Google Gemini will be able to engage in hands-free conversations with drivers who want to do things like get recommendations for activities at their destination, sort through emails, or compose and edit texts while driving.

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In a blog post, the company offered five ways to use the new features. These include asking for recommended stops while on a route, composing or editing messages (including translations for 40 languages), looking for things in your Gmail inbox or Google Calendar, creating music playlists and practicing a speech on the way to, say, a wedding rehearsal dinner.

Whether it’s a good idea to do those things at highway speeds is a separate debate. While the features are hands-free, Google does not address the distraction factor of, for example, conversationally building a playlist while driving down the highway.

A spokesperson told CNET that Google will release research that addresses safety concerns around hands-free technology, but didn’t give a time frame.

«Our automotive products are designed and built on safety principles grounded in government and industry distraction guidelines, as well as our own deep research,» said Greg Fitch, head of safety and user experience for Android for Cars.

«We’ve extensively tested Gemini’s impact on the driving experience, both in the lab and on the road. With rigorous third-party testing now complete, we are preparing to release our findings,» Fitch said.

How Gemini works in Android Auto

Google says that accessing Gemini happens when you say «Hey Google,» hit the mic button in Android Auto, or do a long press on the voice control button if your steering wheel has one.

Google says it will add more features and capabilities in the future. For now, the Gemini update can access information from Google Calendar, Google Tasks, Google Keep, Samsung Calendar, Samsung Reminder, and Samsung Notes, with additional third-party app support expected in the future.

The world of mobile gaming has changed immeasurably in recent years. Phones have gotten incredibly capable when it comes to pushing pixels, so they’re perfect mobile gaming machines. Add on recent improvements to cloud gaming, and it’s a no-brainer. All you need is a controller, and Backbone makes some of the best. And with Backbone’s Black Friday sale now underway, you can save up to 40% off its ever-popular controllers.

That savings is applied to the Backbone One (Lightning), which is perfect for use with older iPhones that don’t have USB-C ports. It’s available in three configurations, including the fetching PlayStation-inspired one you can see at the top of this page. And it’s yours today for just $60 — down from $100.

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If you’re the proud owner of a newer iPhone or prefer Android, you’re going to need the USB-C version of the Backbone One. That’s also available in the same three configurations, but the newer connector means it costs $80 — still a $20 savings over the usual $100 price.

With all of that said, there is a third option. The Backbone Pro is the best of the best, and it comes with full-sized joysticks, rear buttons, and can run for up to 40 hours on a single charge. As if that wasn’t enough, you can get your hands (and your phone) on one today for just $135. That’s $35 off the usual price, and it works with both iPhones and Android phones, so long as they have a USB-C port.

Why this deal matters

Having a great mobile gaming controller is a huge upgrade over using on-screen controls. If you’re serious about playing games on the go, these deals are for you — but act fast, they won’t be here for long.