TECH THAT...

A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NEWS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

SILENCE IS NO LONGER GOLDEN

ONE of the most disconcerting elements of driving an electric or hybrid car, pictured, is the sound of silence as you glide from a standing start away from your parking spot.

But that sensation will be no more after new rules that came into effect this week. A new EU directive argues the stealth approach electrically powered vehicles take is dangerous, especially at low speed in areas often frequented by both cars and pedestrians, such as supermarket car parks.

The rules say new models of electric vehicles must be fitted with a device that makes a sound like a traditional engine when the vehicle is travelling below 12mph – either forwards or backwards.

The new ruling is obviously welcome to those with vision impairment, who have no other way of knowing they are in any danger.

SWITCH WITH A TEXT

YOU can now start the process of switching your mobile service with a text, without having to speak to an actual living soul.

Switching should be simple, but requires users to get a code from their supplier to facilitate the move.

The watchdog that oversees the industry, Ofcom, says people are put off calling their supplier to get the code because they often end up being given the hardline as to why they should stay – and only after attempts to persuade them not to go repeatedly fail is the code given out.

With the new system, all you have to do is text PAC (which stands for port authorisation code) to 65075 and your existing provider should respond within a minute with the numbers you need.

These numbers will include any outstanding debit or credit balances, and details of any termination fees that might apply to your account so you know exactly where you stand.

The PAC will be valued for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to hunt out that new deal with all the facts and figures you need to make the switch happen straight away.