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.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

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.

Whether you’re a YouTuber, a podcaster or you just want better audio on your FaceTime calls with the grandkids, a good microphone can make all the difference. Right now there’s a fantastic deal on one of the most popular microphones from DJI. 

I’ve spotted the DJI Mic Mini for just $79 at Amazon right now — that’s a $90 savings. This early Black Friday deal won’t last, so make sure you get the mic now. The DJI Mic Mini kit includes two wireless lavalier mics that conveniently clip onto shirts or jackets, so you and a friend can record better audio.

These DJI mics have omnidirectional recording that captures voices clearly. And a wireless receiver works with your mics up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) away.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

With Bluetooth, DJI OsmoAudio or USB connectivity options, you can always finish your video or keep streaming without a hitch. The mics’ battery life can also reach up to 48 hours, so you can spend more time creating and less time charging your equipment.

This kit includes two mics, a charging case, a mini receiver, windscreens, a USB cable, a 3.5mm camera audio cable and a mini carrying pouch. Best of all, these mics can be used with iPhones and Androids.

Why this deal matters

DJI is known for its high-quality drone cameras and accessories. This DJI Mic Mini kit includes everything needed to capture high-quality audio directly onto your smartphone. The mics are perfect for calls, streaming and content creation. This kit includes two lav mics and every accessory you need to get to work for $90 off. So, the deal is a must for budding creatives on a budget.

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.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

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.