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What Are Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4? How 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Plans Work

What Are Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4? How 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Plans Work

How many times have you added items to your online shopping cart only to balk at the total? While staying within your budget is wise, if you need to make a purchase that you're considering charging or borrowing money for, a "buy now, pay later" service might be a smarter option.

BNPL companies like Affirm, AfterPay, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 work by offering you micro installment loans. This loan covers the cost of your purchase right away, and lets you repay the balance over time. These services have gained traction since the pandemic and today AfterPay has more than 16 million active users, followed by Affirm's 8.7 million, most of whom are millennials and Gen Z shoppers.

But what exactly are these installment plans and how are they different from credit cards and personal loans? Here's the breakdown of these alternative financing options and how to use them.

What are installment services?

If you've ever bought a car, a home or an education, you've probably used an installment loan. Installment loans are lump-sum loans that you pay off over a set amount of months or years. For products like cars and homes, they're often funded by well-known banks, like Chase or Wells Fargo. 

Mini installment plans from companies like AfterPay and Affirm act like microloans for everyday purchases, like clothes, makeup, electronics and gym equipment (like Peloton). Affirm, for example, also supports unexpected purchases, like car repairs through YourMechanic. But unlike new car or home purchase loans, which you typically pay off over the course of many years, products and services financed through these services are typically paid off in a few weeks or months. 

How do they work?

Each online installment plan offers different setups, but the gist is: You buy your item now, select the plan at checkout with a qualifying retailer, create an account and complete your purchase. With Klarna and AfterPay, you get your goods right away and then pay for them over four installment payments: one when you check out and typically every other week or once a month thereafter. Affirm has payment options that usually range from three to 12 months, although some plans have terms as high as 48 months.

For AfterPay, as long as you make your four payments, you won't get charged late fees. Klarna has different payment options and some of them charge interest. Affirm charges 0 to 30% interest depending on your payment plan.

To take advantage of an interest-free installment plan, you need to shop with retailers that support it. Anthropologie, DSW and Fenty Beauty are AfterPay partners, for example. You might see the installment service's logo when you're viewing a product, letting you know the partnership exists and you can select a payment plan at checkout. From there, you'll usually pay the first installment and the next one will come out about two weeks later. Otherwise, the product or service will arrive on time, just like it would if you paid in full at checkout.

You can also shop through each company's app. Affirm, AfterPay, PayPal and Klarna all have apps in the App Store and Google Play that let you shop, monitor your orders and make payments. 

While they aren't like traditional loans, they're different from other types of alternative payment methods. For instance:

• They aren't credit cards. A credit card is a revolving credit line that you get approved for. You use your card to pay for your purchase in full and then at the end of the billing period you'll pay off your bill or make payments until you pay it off in full. Typically, if you don't pay your balance off at the end of the billing period, interest will accrue, which can be 20% or more. CNET always recommends paying off your credit in full. 
• They aren't the same as layaway. Layaway is when you agree to pay off an item over the course of a few months and once you've paid it off, you can take it home. Layaway usually requires an upfront deposit and a service fee, and you don't get your goods until you've paid for them in full. Some installment plan companies require an upfront deposit, but you don't have to wait to get your item; you get it right away.

How does an installment service affect my credit score?

When you apply for a loan or a credit card, that hard credit check looks at your credit history to see if you're responsible enough with credit to lend to. With BNPL apps, there's no hard credit inquiry. If the app checks your credit, it'll be a soft credit check, which won't hurt your credit score. The services don't specify the credit score you need to shop with them.

If you aren't diligent with payments, your credit score might be affected. For most micro installment loans, you're required to make payments about every two weeks and in four total installments. So if you don't pay your bill on time, that triggers a late payment for some companies. The three major credit bureaus will get notified and you could see your credit score take a dip. Late payments are one of the biggest factors in determining your credit score, and a drop in that could hurt your chances of borrowing money in the future.

Penalties and fees vary by company. Affirm and PayPal do not charge late fees. AfterPay does, though these fees will not exceed 25% of the purchase amount. Klarna doesn't charge a late fee but if you don't make a payment when it's due, you can be blocked from using the site and app in the future. None of these services charge prepayment fees, so you won't get penalized for repaying your balance sooner.

Should I use BNPL services?

It depends on what kind of shopper you are and your mentality about money. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• You can buy items and services, even if you can't afford them right away:If you have things you need or want to buy, you're not obligated to pay full price at checkout. Micro installment loans let you pay out your purchase over a few weeks.
• You don't need great credit to get approved:Most services do a soft credit check, which won't hurt your credit score . If you don't have great credit or a long credit history, this is a good alternative payment option.
• It's simpler than a loan or credit card:If you've had trouble with credit cards or don't like using them, this is an easier method than applying for a credit card or personal loan. You can apply at checkout, whereas if you want a credit card or loan, you'll need to wait a few days before you can use those funds.

Cons

• You might believe you're spending less:If you cringe at a $1,000 couch, seeing payments broken up into $250 every other week, for example, tricks you into believing you're paying less for an item. In reality, you're still paying the same amount and you're borrowing money to do it.
• You may be charged interest or other fees: Depending on the service you choose and the repayment plan you select, you could be charged interest. Affirm, for instance, offers interest rates between 0% and 30%. While this interest does not compound like a credit card, spreading payments for that $1,000 couch over 12 months at a 30% interest rate could end up costing you $169.76 in interest alone. 
• You might not get approved for the full amount: Your credit score may not preclude you from getting approved for a BNPL loan, but it's still a factor when determining your loan amount and interest rate (if applicable). That means, there's a chance you might not get approved for the full amount you're requesting. 
• It's still a loan:Remember you're still taking out a loan, even if you pay it off sooner than you would a traditional loan. Not paying on time could result in interest fees, late payment fees or not being able to use the service in the future.
  

While the convenience of delayed payment sounds appealing as a way to get something now, you're still on the hook for paying your bill in full. If you need something now but can't afford it, micro installment loans might be a good idea. But if you don't think you'll be able to afford payments, you may want to consider another payment method or waiting until you have cash on hand to make your purchase.

Correction, April 30: Affirm has 8.7 million users, more than we previously quoted. It also has repayment options ranging from three to 12 months, a shorter period than previously listed. Clarified that AfterPay does not charge late fees as long as you make four payments.

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What Are Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4? How 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Plans Work

What Are Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4? How 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Plans Work

How many times have you added items to your online shopping cart only to balk at the total? While staying within your budget is wise, if you need to make a purchase that you're considering charging or borrowing money for, a "buy now, pay later" service might be a smarter option.

BNPL companies like Affirm, AfterPay, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 work by offering you micro installment loans. This loan covers the cost of your purchase right away, and lets you repay the balance over time. These services have gained traction since the pandemic and today AfterPay has more than 16 million active users, followed by Affirm's 8.7 million, most of whom are millennials and Gen Z shoppers.

But what exactly are these installment plans and how are they different from credit cards and personal loans? Here's the breakdown of these alternative financing options and how to use them.

What are installment services?

If you've ever bought a car, a home or an education, you've probably used an installment loan. Installment loans are lump-sum loans that you pay off over a set amount of months or years. For products like cars and homes, they're often funded by well-known banks, like Chase or Wells Fargo. 

Mini installment plans from companies like AfterPay and Affirm act like microloans for everyday purchases, like clothes, makeup, electronics and gym equipment (like Peloton). Affirm, for example, also supports unexpected purchases, like car repairs through YourMechanic. But unlike new car or home purchase loans, which you typically pay off over the course of many years, products and services financed through these services are typically paid off in a few weeks or months. 

How do they work?

Each online installment plan offers different setups, but the gist is: You buy your item now, select the plan at checkout with a qualifying retailer, create an account and complete your purchase. With Klarna and AfterPay, you get your goods right away and then pay for them over four installment payments: one when you check out and typically every other week or once a month thereafter. Affirm has payment options that usually range from three to 12 months, although some plans have terms as high as 48 months.

For AfterPay, as long as you make your four payments, you won't get charged late fees. Klarna has different payment options and some of them charge interest. Affirm charges 0 to 30% interest depending on your payment plan.

To take advantage of an interest-free installment plan, you need to shop with retailers that support it. Anthropologie, DSW and Fenty Beauty are AfterPay partners, for example. You might see the installment service's logo when you're viewing a product, letting you know the partnership exists and you can select a payment plan at checkout. From there, you'll usually pay the first installment and the next one will come out about two weeks later. Otherwise, the product or service will arrive on time, just like it would if you paid in full at checkout.

You can also shop through each company's app. Affirm, AfterPay, PayPal and Klarna all have apps in the App Store and Google Play that let you shop, monitor your orders and make payments. 

While they aren't like traditional loans, they're different from other types of alternative payment methods. For instance:

• They aren't credit cards. A credit card is a revolving credit line that you get approved for. You use your card to pay for your purchase in full and then at the end of the billing period you'll pay off your bill or make payments until you pay it off in full. Typically, if you don't pay your balance off at the end of the billing period, interest will accrue, which can be 20% or more. CNET always recommends paying off your credit in full. 
• They aren't the same as layaway. Layaway is when you agree to pay off an item over the course of a few months and once you've paid it off, you can take it home. Layaway usually requires an upfront deposit and a service fee, and you don't get your goods until you've paid for them in full. Some installment plan companies require an upfront deposit, but you don't have to wait to get your item; you get it right away.

How does an installment service affect my credit score?

When you apply for a loan or a credit card, that hard credit check looks at your credit history to see if you're responsible enough with credit to lend to. With BNPL apps, there's no hard credit inquiry. If the app checks your credit, it'll be a soft credit check, which won't hurt your credit score. The services don't specify the credit score you need to shop with them.

If you aren't diligent with payments, your credit score might be affected. For most micro installment loans, you're required to make payments about every two weeks and in four total installments. So if you don't pay your bill on time, that triggers a late payment for some companies. The three major credit bureaus will get notified and you could see your credit score take a dip. Late payments are one of the biggest factors in determining your credit score, and a drop in that could hurt your chances of borrowing money in the future.

Penalties and fees vary by company. Affirm and PayPal do not charge late fees. AfterPay does, though these fees will not exceed 25% of the purchase amount. Klarna doesn't charge a late fee but if you don't make a payment when it's due, you can be blocked from using the site and app in the future. None of these services charge prepayment fees, so you won't get penalized for repaying your balance sooner.

Should I use BNPL services?

It depends on what kind of shopper you are and your mentality about money. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• You can buy items and services, even if you can't afford them right away:If you have things you need or want to buy, you're not obligated to pay full price at checkout. Micro installment loans let you pay out your purchase over a few weeks.
• You don't need great credit to get approved:Most services do a soft credit check, which won't hurt your credit score . If you don't have great credit or a long credit history, this is a good alternative payment option.
• It's simpler than a loan or credit card:If you've had trouble with credit cards or don't like using them, this is an easier method than applying for a credit card or personal loan. You can apply at checkout, whereas if you want a credit card or loan, you'll need to wait a few days before you can use those funds.

Cons

• You might believe you're spending less:If you cringe at a $1,000 couch, seeing payments broken up into $250 every other week, for example, tricks you into believing you're paying less for an item. In reality, you're still paying the same amount and you're borrowing money to do it.
• You may be charged interest or other fees: Depending on the service you choose and the repayment plan you select, you could be charged interest. Affirm, for instance, offers interest rates between 0% and 30%. While this interest does not compound like a credit card, spreading payments for that $1,000 couch over 12 months at a 30% interest rate could end up costing you $169.76 in interest alone. 
• You might not get approved for the full amount: Your credit score may not preclude you from getting approved for a BNPL loan, but it's still a factor when determining your loan amount and interest rate (if applicable). That means, there's a chance you might not get approved for the full amount you're requesting. 
• It's still a loan:Remember you're still taking out a loan, even if you pay it off sooner than you would a traditional loan. Not paying on time could result in interest fees, late payment fees or not being able to use the service in the future.
  

While the convenience of delayed payment sounds appealing as a way to get something now, you're still on the hook for paying your bill in full. If you need something now but can't afford it, micro installment loans might be a good idea. But if you don't think you'll be able to afford payments, you may want to consider another payment method or waiting until you have cash on hand to make your purchase.

Correction, April 30: Affirm has 8.7 million users, more than we previously quoted. It also has repayment options ranging from three to 12 months, a shorter period than previously listed. Clarified that AfterPay does not charge late fees as long as you make four payments.

---

Source

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6 Tips to Use if You Want to Fall Asleep Faster

6 Tips to Use if You Want to Fall Asleep Faster

How did you sleep last night? The question typically goes one of two ways -- well enough or terrible. On nights when you can't seem to fall asleep, you'll do just about anything to make it happen. And sometimes, counting sheep doesn't cut it. Use these six tips to fall asleep easier each night. 

1. Use breathing techniques 

Don't worry if you don't fall asleep immediately when you slip between the sheets. For most people, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to fall asleep. Breathing techniques are an effective way to relieve stress and relax. Some methods -- like 4-7-8 breathing -- are specifically designed to help you sleep better. 

There are also guided meditation apps designed to help you sleep. Popular apps like Calm and Headspace have guided meditations that can help you drift off to sleep. Calm has celebrity sleep stories that feature favorites like Harry Styles, Matthew McConaughey and Emma Thompson. 

2. Get out of bed

This one seems counterintuitive, but trust me. If you are awake after 20 minutes of trying to fall asleep, it's best to get out of bed. The last thing you want to do is associate your bed with scrolling through social media or watching TV. You want to save your bed for sleep.

Get out of bed and do something that relaxes you -- maybe that's light yoga or reading a book or listening to music. You want to avoid screens as much as possible. You shouldn't get back in bed until you are tired enough to fall asleep. 

3. Adjust the temperature of your bedroom

Research shows that the best temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. When your room is too warm, it can impact your body's natural thermoregulation process and keep you awake. 

If you are lying in bed and can't seem to fall asleep, check the temperature in your room. Then, don't jump right back in bed after you adjust the temperature. Let the room get cooler before you try to go back to sleep. 

4. Try a white noise machine

If you're easily distracted by sounds -- like road noises or a family member who is still awake, you may want to try a white noise machine. White noise machines help you sleep by replacing intrusive noises with consistent calming ones -- think babbling brooks and rain. You can also opt for true white noise, which encompasses all the frequencies the ear can hear. 

Getty Images/domoyega

5. Be careful with the nighttime snack

When you can't fall asleep and get out of bed, it's easy to wander to the refrigerator and see what's inside. It's better to skip that late-night snack. However, if you need to eat, be careful what you choose. You want to avoid foods that are loaded with sugars or processed carbohydrates. 

Some foods contain melatonin and can help you sleep. These include milk, almonds and kiwis. As a rule, you want foods with slow-digesting proteins, like yogurt and peanut butter, or high-fiber carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

6. Consider a new mattress

Mattresses don't last forever . Typically, they have a lifespan of about seven to eight years. After that point, they stop giving you the comfort and support you need to get a good night's sleep. If you notice that you aren't getting quality sleep regularly, your mattress might be to blame. 

Key signs you need a new mattress

• You have trouble falling asleep at night.
• Your back hurts when you wake up. 
• If your mattress is sagging or asymmetrical. Look for lumps of impressions of where you sleep. 
• Your mattress is loud -- it groans and pops when you toss and turn. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Get a new Mac? Here's what you need to know about setting it up

Get a new Mac? Here's what you need to know about setting it up

Apple's newest computers -- MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini -- are fast, have impressive battery life and can even run iPhone apps. The difference between this crop and previous models? These are powered by the Apple Silicon M1 processor. It's the same kind of processor the company uses in the iPhone and iPad. If you spoiled yourself and picked up a new Mac this holiday season, or were lucky enough to get one as a gift, don't rush through the setup process. 

Whether you're replacing a worn-down MacBook or getting rid of a tired PC, it's only natural to want to tear open the box, hit the power button and cruise through the setup prompts. But before you do that, take a deep breath and a step back. There are some things you need to know about setting up a Mac.

For starters, the process can take several hours if you plan on transferring your data from another computer. Then there are other things to consider: Do you need FileVault? How can you get information off of your old Mac or PC and onto the new one? Those questions are exactly why we're here.

There's something special about getting a new computer. 

Dan Ackerman/CNET

What you'll need

Make sure to set aside around an hour to get your Mac set up. The process will take longer if you plan on restoring your Mac from a Time Machine backup of another Mac.

In addition to a reliable internet connection, you'll need your Wi-Fi network information, your Apple ID username and password, and the Mac's charger or power cord. 

Having a piece of paper and a pen nearby is helpful. During the setup process, you'll be asked to create a user account, which includes a username and password. We don't recommend storing passwords on paper -- it's much safer to use a password manager -- but a piece of paper is helpful for temporarily storing this kind of information until you can enter it into your password manager. Just make sure to destroy the piece of paper when you're done. 

Once you have everything in order, connect the charger or power cord to your Mac and turn it on. 

Setting up a new Mac isn't hard, but it can take some time. 

Apple

Apple's Setup Assistant walks you through most of the process

The first time your Mac turns on, a setup assistant will greet you. The assistant will walk you through selecting your country and language, and connecting the Mac to the internet. You'll also be tasked with creating a user account on the Mac and signing into your Apple ID. 

Throughout the process you'll be asked if you want to enable services like FileVault, iCloud Keychain or Find My Mac. You'll also be asked if you want to enable Siri or provide any logs to developers when issues are detected. Here's what some of those features mean for you.

FileVault encrypts your Mac's hard drive to prevent unauthorized access to the information you store on it. If you aren't sure, you can always enable or disable it in the future.

iCloud Keychain is Apple's password manager that's built into all of its devices. If you use iCloud Keychain on an iPhone ($500 at Best Buy) or iPad ($176 at Amazon), those usernames and passwords will also be available on your Mac. iCloud Keychain also stores your Wi-Fi network credentials, meaning you won't have to log into a Wi-Fi network on your Mac if you've previously connected to it on your iPhone. It's a good idea to turn on iCloud Keychain. 

Find My Mac works with the Find My app to help you track down a lost Apple device. I recommend turning on Find My Mac, even for a rig as large as an iMac ($990 at Best Buy) that's less likely to disappear, because you never know when you might end up with a lost or stolen MacBook. There's no drawback to turning it on.

If you have a MacBook, you'll also be tasked with setting up Touch ID, the fingerprint reader that unlocks your computer, lets you sign into apps or approve Apple Pay purchases. All of it is pretty straight-forward, just continue to follow the prompts, entering any required information such as your Apple ID or creating a user name, to finish the core of the setup process. 

Migration Assistant makes it easy to transfer all of your information. 

Apple

Restore from a Time Machine Backup

During setup, you'll be asked if you want to restore your new Mac from a Time Machine backup of another Mac through Migration Assistant. If so, you'll need the storage device your Time Machine backup is stored on. 

If you haven't backed up your old Mac through Time Machine, it's not too late. We have a guide that walks you through the process. Or if you'd rather directly transfer your files and settings from one Mac to another, Migration Assistant can do that, too. 

Follow the prompts in the Migration Assistant tool, selecting that you want to transfer your information from a Time Machine backup. Select the Time Machine drive that's connected to your new Mac, and select the most recent backup.  

Next, you'll be asked to confirm which information you want to transfer -- including home folders, applications, settings, user accounts and other miscellaneous documents. 

The process can take several hours, depending on how much you have to transfer. If it's going to be awhile, you don't have to babysit it. It's perfectly fine to leave your computer and go watch a show, let it process overnight, or even run some errands. 

One thing to keep in mind, and Migration Assistant will remind you if you run into this, is that your new Mac needs to be on the same OS update as your old Mac (or vice versa). So you may have to finish the setup process without using Migration Assistant, then update your OS (directions covering how to do that are below), and then run Migration Assistant. 

If you're switching from a PC to a Mac, you can use Apple's Migration Assistant, but the process is a little bit more involved and technical (just at the beginning). Apple walks you through the process in this support article. 

Once you have your Mac all set up, it's time to get to work! 

Sarah Tew/CNET

Install any software updates

Once you've completed the Setup Assistant and find yourself looking at your Mac's desktop, it's a good idea to check for any pending software updates. 

To do that, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen followed by System Preferences > Software Update. 

Once your Mac's software is up to date, you'll also want to check and make sure all of the preinstalled apps are updated in the App Store. Find the App Store icon in the app dock along the bottom of your screen. Click on it to open the App Store and then select Updates and then update any apps with pending updates. 

Now that you have your Mac all set up, it's a good idea to be prepared for any hiccups you may run into. Here are system tweaks you may want to make right away. If this is the first time you've used MacOS Big Sur, we have plenty of tips to help you get started. When your Mac inevitably slows down, learn how to speed it back up again. 

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Whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is gadmowera whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is hacked whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is crashing whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is in another language whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is my home whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger home whatsapp/kik/line

WhatsApp, Kik, Viber or ReTXT: Which third-party messenger is right for you?

WhatsApp, Kik, Viber or ReTXT: Which third-party messenger is right for you?

James Martin/CNET

There is no shortage of third-party messaging apps in either the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store and it's pretty easy to see why. While every smartphone has a default messaging app, none have many extras.

Sure, you can send photos and videos, and probably emoticons, but beyond that the default chat apps are pretty bare. To its credit, Apple has made strides with iOS' Messages app with features such as being able to send your location and voice memos, while Android will let you send contacts and other business-related tasks, but there's not much fun in that.

Fortunately, third-party messaging apps are mostly free, offer fun extras, and some even have added features like encryption to keep your messages secure. All use data, so any texting limits you have with your carrier don't apply and the ones that make calls are free for people who have the app.

Feature comparison

Obviously, a text messaging app has to let you send text messages, and adding photos and videos is more or less the standard with these type of apps. But it's the extras like locations, contacts, and even doodles that set some of these apps apart. On the other hand, you may be someone who is uninterested in stickers and gifs, so this chart will let you zero in on the things you need and the things you don't.

	WhatsApp Messenger	Kik	Viber	ReTXT
Text messages	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Phone calls	Yes	No	Yes	No
Photos	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Videos	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audio clips/voice memos	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Video calls	No	No	Yes	No
Sketching/drawing	No	Yes	Yes	No
Locations	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Share contacts	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Special Graphics/Stickers	No	Yes	Yes	No
Emoticons	default keyboard	Yes	Yes	default keyboard
Subscription	Yes ($0.99/year)	No	No	Yes ($0.99/year)
Encryption	No	No	No	Yes
Read receipts	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app purchases	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

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James Martin/CNET

WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp has been in the third-party text messenger business for a long time, and even if you're not using it, chances are a lot of your friends are. The app has an extremely easy setup because you don't have to add buddies or invite people; WhatsApp Messenger scans your contacts for other users of the app and lets you start a conversation on your own.

WhatsApp shows your chats in little text bubbles, gives you a time stamp for messages, notifies you when a text has been viewed by your recipient and lets you include photos, audio notes and videos within your conversations. You can also change your background and send your GPS location to an interactive map. You can use premade away notes such as "I'm busy," "Available" or even "My battery is about to die," and you can block specific contacts from within the app. You also can easily send a friend's contact information to another user without leaving the app. So, while the app is not leaps and bounds ahead of other messaging apps, there are some nice extra features here.

It's important to note that WhatsApp is free for the first year of use, but then you'll need to sign up for subscription at 99 cents per year. But even though free is always better, I think a dollar a year (at the current exchange rate, that's about £0.65 or AU$1.25) is easily worth it for what you get.

Where it excels

• A lot of people already use it so you don't have to convince as many people to download it.
• Location maps look natural inline and let you tap to get more info.
• You can make free calls to others who have the app.
• You can customize the look by changing backgrounds.

Where it falls flat

• You can't make video calls.
• It has no special graphics other than emoticons.
• It doesn't have strong encryption.

Best for: People who know that their friends already use the app. Also, it's great for sending texts and making international calls to others who have the app.

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James Martin/CNET

Kik

Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Kik is a messaging app that's much more about fun than it is about productivity. Yes, it has the regular messaging features and you can easily add photos and videos like most apps, but the extras here are more for a younger audience and not what you get with the other apps in this collection.

I noticed right away that Kik didn't have the ability to send your location or contacts. Instead, it's set up for having fun with things like stickers, the ability to sketch, add the latest viral videos and memes, and more. One really useful feature is the ability to perform an image search from within the app. It also has an assortment of original emoticons, but the ones you can use for free are not much different from what you get on your default keyboard.

And that's the other thing about Kik. It has its own currency called Kik Points (KP) that you use to buy sticker packs and special emoticons you can't find anywhere else. You don't buy Kik points with cash, though. You earn them by completing surveys, visiting specific websites, or signing up for services from one of Kik's partners. In other words, it's a way for Kik to make money without billing the users of the app.

Where it excels

• It has a huge number of things you can add to your messages, like stickers, icons, doodles, memes and more.
• You can perform an image search from within the app to add images to the conversation easily.
• It has its own in-app browser to find other content.

Where it falls flat

• Lack of location-adding and contact features make it less useful for working folks.
• The requirement of using Kik Points to buy features means you'll need to jump through hoops to get that unique zombie emoticon.

Best for: Students or groups of friends who like to keep the conversation going continuously with lots of fun stuff to add

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James Martin/CNET

Viber

Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone

I recently reviewed Viber and found it to have the most useful features I've seen so far in a messaging app. It's excellent for messaging and calling your friends for free around the globe and you can even make video calls.

Sending a message is just like other apps, with balloons for each of the people chatting, and you can set up group texts for up to 100 participants. You can create an audio clip by touching the microphone, then touching and holding a big button in the bottom center to record. You also can send photos and videos, and you can send your location.

For some fun, there is a doodle feature, which lets you pick a brush size and color, then draw on the screen to send little doodles to your friends. You also get a good assortment of stickers for free, but can buy themed sticker packs if you're interested.

But what sets Viber apart from most third party messaging apps is the ability to make both audio and video calls and you can do it on a 3G connection or better. The app uses your regular phone number, and you can call anyone around the globe for free provided they also have the app. In my testing, call quality was excellent and even sounded better than regular calls on my iPhone.

You'll have to pay (through in-app purchase) if you want to call landlines or people who don't have the app, but it has a guide which shows how much it will cost you depending on the country.

Where it excels

• You can make free calls to other people who have the app (like WhatsApp) and you can make free video calls.
• Both audio and video calls are high quality even without a Wi-Fi connection.
• It has its own assortment of high-quality, original emoticons.
• It has plenty of stickers included for just about any situation, and you can buy more if you want themed sets.

Where it falls flat

• The Public Chat features let you browse subjects and enter a conversation, but you can't participate (coming in a later update).
• Not a lot of people use it.

Best for: People who want to message, or make audio or video calls internationally for free.

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James Martin/CNET

ReTXT

Free; iOS and Android

ReTXT is the newcomer to the collection having only been out for a few weeks, but in my review, I really liked the unique features you can't find in the other apps of this collection.

It does all the usual things such as letting you send photos and video, and you can add audio clips and send your location. But while it's not big on special graphics, stickers or anything like those, it has something even better to offer: the ability to correct or delete a message you already sent. Everyone has been a victim of their smartphone's autocorrect at one time or another, but with ReTXT, you can just tap the sent message and edit whatever you want. It then corrects the message for both you and your recipient.

Another unique feature is the capability to ask for clarification. When someone sends you a message that doesn't make sense, you can tap a button that sends them a question mark that appears right next to their own message balloon. This indicates that they should clarify their meaning without you having to ask questions or engage in a lengthy back-and-forth conversation.

Finally, ReTXT has strong security features which ensure you and your recipient are the only people to view your message content. It doesn't store your conversations on any server, and it has end-to-end encryption. The other apps can't boast this level of security, so if security is your number one concern, this is the app for you.

It's important to note that -- like WhatsApp -- you'll need to pay a 99 cents a year subscription (about £0.65 or AU$1.25), but if these features are important to you it's easy to part with a dollar per year.

Where it excels

• ReTXT lets you edit sent messages to fix any errors, whether it was an autocorrect mistake or maybe even something you shouldn't have said in the heat of the moment.
• You can ask for clarification by touching a button so you can avoid the back and forth texts.
• End-to-end encryption means you'll know only you and your recipient can see your messages.

Where it falls flat

• It doesn't have any customization or special graphics and emoticons besides what comes with your default keyboard.
• Almost nobody uses it because it's so new.

Best for: Those who find themselves making a lot of typos in their messages, or those who want an added level of security not found in other messaging apps.

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CNET recommends...

All of these are great chat apps, and really it comes down to a matter of your messaging style for which one you pick. But I think for most people, the fact that Viber covers so many bases puts it on top.

Not only does it have more practical features, like sending your location and contacts, it also has fun features which let you add audio clips and stickers to your conversations. And the fact that you can make both audio and video calls pushes it over the top.

There's still the problem of getting your friends to download the app, but with all these features, it shouldn't be too hard to convince them.

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Source

Elden Ring Boss Guide: How To beat Margit, Godrick, Radahn, and more

Elden Ring Boss Guide: How To beat Margit, Godrick, Radahn, and more

Elden Ring is out  and like every other Souls-like game there are times when you confront a major foe who will put your survival skills to the test.

Elden Ring has the largest roster of bosses and secret encounters of any Souls-style game to date, and people are quickly figuring out how unforgiving these bad guys can be. So with that, we're offering a quick rundown of general tips to know when facing these bosses. Along with that, a guide on defeating some of the first major bosses of the game.

Check back with us in the coming days as we'll be adding more guides and tips on overcoming the big bads of The Lands Between.

General Boss tips

Learn Their Patterns

While every boss can be daunting, they each have a pattern that they follow rigorously. The most important thing you can learn when fighting enemies is how they move and what behaviors they follow. This knowledge can be a bit tough to learn, especially when you have swords and magic spells being hurled at your face. But once you do, you'll get a sense of how a boss' attacks work and what you can do to overcome them.

Don't Rely on Rolling Too Much

Rolling in Elden Ring is vital to every battle, but it's easy to abuse it. The move gives players a small window of invincibility on any attack, so it appears that spamming it would be the right answer to whatever scenario. Do not do this. FromSoftware purposely makes enemies' attacks reach a certain distance for when you roll. Bosses also have multiple quick and delayed attacks to throw off the timing of your rolls. Keep that in mind even in the heat of the battle.

If you need to roll, especially for boss battles, try rolling toward the boss. It sounds counterintuitive but the way FromSoftware designs boss attacks, going toward the boss helps you evade, as the expectation is for you to roll away. If there's one attack constantly hitting you when you roll away, that's when you need to roll forward.

Being Greedy is Dangerous

We know the feeling you can get when a particular foe gets caught in a vulnerable spot, and you want to keep attacking them. However, it's important not to be greedy in those moments. Before you know it, a boss can quickly recover and send you flying with a powerful counterattack. Always be mindful of the time it takes to attack. It's often better to go in for a couple of quick hits and back away to safety, even if there's time for another set of blows.

Make Sure to Use Your Summons

As players progress through the game, they'll receive more summons. These spirits can be somewhat weak and do minimal damage, but they distract the boss. These assists provide a small respite from the battle, allowing you to heal or set up a powerful charge or jumping attack. Calling on a summon should be the first thing players should do in a boss battle. 

For the boss fights of legacy dungeons, there is usually a summon right next to the golden fog gate. Keep an eye out for an orange symbol on the ground as these fighters are powerful and can help you tremendously in these hard battles. You might need to find these NPCs within the dungeon before they will help.  

Finish The Fight, Later

FromSoftware always finds ways to catch you off guard. An example is the Tree Sentinel, a big brute of a boss, in the game's first area. It's a powerful foe that can kill you in two hits. This encounter may give you the impression that you have to beat him at this moment, but trust us when we say that is not the case. You'll inevitably come across some foes that will knock you out in a quick fashion. While you can certainly try and figure a way to beat them, you're often better off just taking the hint and doing something better with your time. You can always come back later once you're stronger and get some revenge -- and those moments are always satisfying.

Now let's take a look at some specific bosses...

Margit, The Fell Omen

Margit, the Fell Omen can be a daunting foe to face in your first hours with the game.

From Software / Namco Bandai Games

This encounter is likely the first major boss you'll face in Elden Ring and they will certainly put you through your paces. The battle against Margit is, above all, a test of your dodging, attack skills and patience during a fight. Despite its size, Margit is highly mobile and can easily close the distance to land some hits on you if you aren't careful. The boss primarily uses their staff as a close-range weapon, striking with three-hit combo attacks and a harder two-handed blow that can drop your stamina fast if you try to block it. Margit will throw magic daggers at a distance at a range, and it's best to avoid them by dodging.

The best way to strike Margit is to hit them once they've finished performing their attacks. By looking at their attack patterns, you can have a window of opportunity to hit them with quick strikes. It's always better to stick and move rather than lay into them with a series of long combos. Go for brief 2-3 hits and then move away to avoid their follow-up attacks. And unless you have decent strength and endurance for your character, it's always better to roll out of the way of its attacks. Though if you have a shield with parry sub-ability -- and you're willing to take a risk -- you can stun Margit with a well-timed parry. However, if you miss the timing, you leave yourself open to a devastating attack.

Once you clear half its health, Margit enters a second phase where they'll pull out a massive hammer. While their patterns are still similar, Margit's extra aggression makes for a more tense fight. The best thing to do is stay composed and look at their patterns to find an opening. And always stick with dodging as opposed to blocking. If you try to block their hammer, you will lose your stamina and open yourself up for attack. Remember to stick and move, and keep your attacks brief when fighting Margit, and you will eventually defeat them.

If you're still struggling, another option to make the fight slightly easier: Visit the Murkerwater Cave dungeon, north of the Dragon Burnt Ruins. Inside the case, you'll encounter a boss named Patches, a recurring character from previous FromSoftware games. If you spare his life after he yields in combat, he will open up his inventory for purchase. One item he sells is Margit's Shackle, which will stun the boss during its first phase only, allowing you to go in for a series of strikes. This is a great way to overcome Margit if you need extra help with the fight

Godrick The Grafted

The battle against Godrick will be a real test of patience and resolve. It'd be best to bring in some back up for him.

FromSoftware / Namco Bandai Games

If you make it through Stormveil Castle, then you've already picked up skills and tactics when it comes to overcoming foes. However, the battle with Godrick is, by far, the biggest hurdle you'll need to overcome. As the first demi-god you'll fight, this fallen ruler of Stormveil Castle will pull out all the stops to take you out. Much like Margit, Godrick is speedy despite his size. But unlike Margit, Godrick has a larger arsenal of weapons and skills to use.

Before this fight, one thing you can do to make it easier is to summon an AI character. Nepheli, a traveling warrior, is someone you'll first meet in the Roundtable Hold, and you can find her again in Stormveil Castle near Godrick's location. If you speak with her, she will help you during the battle. Just outside the door to Godrick, you can see her summon sign. It's recommended you call in an assist in this fight, as having a backup will be a big help.

Like the previous fight, you'll need to watch Godrick's patterns to avoid their strikes. One attack to watch out for is a 360-degree wind attack that will encompass the immediate area of Godrick, damaging you and other allies if you stay close. It's important to watch for his tells and avoid his attacks once he gets them ready. It would be best to try to be more aggressive in this battle. Godrick has a lot of health, so playing it safe too long can exhaust you and resources, leading to a sudden defeat. Still, don't be greedy with your attacks.

During his 2nd phase, he'll take a more desperate tactic and graft the head of a dragon onto his arm and use it to attack you. This upgrade for him not only adds a new melee attack to his arsenal, but he can also use his new arm for breathing fire on you, which does considerable damage if you get hit. During this phase, the best thing to do is to keep a medium distance away from him, avoid his area of effect attacks, and then run to his blind spots when he pulls out the dragon head to breathe fire. The flames will only go in front of him, so running up to his side or behind him will protect you while also leaving him vulnerable for extended periods.

One of the important lessons this fight will impact is the importance of placement and position in a fight. Along with being a narrow bridge, the area also has a set of stairs on both sides. The elevation change can prove to be an advantage, as some of Godrick's attacks can miss you entirely if you get the high ground above him or below him. If you can be mindful of his attacks while also keeping your positional advantage, then you will be able to overcome Godrick with patience and a steady rhythm of attacks.

Red Wolf of Radagon

The battle with Red Wolf of Radagon will test if you can handle a foe adept at magic and close ranged combat.

FromSoftware / Namco Bandai Games

The battle with Red Wolf can be tough, due to how aggressive it is with close-range attacks and its set of long-range magic attacks. Like other major bosses, the Red Wolf is highly mobile, and uses that to its advantage with its attacks. Its deadliest attacks, by far, are the magic missiles, which are homing attacks that will tear right through your defenses and health. The Red Wolf also has a regular habit of priming up its magic spells and then using melee attacks to close the distance, adding further pressure on you. It can be tough to manage, and you'll likely face a quick death during your first attempts.

Thankfully, the Red Wolf doesn't have a second phase, so you'll see most of its patterns and tricks during the first couple minutes of the fight. The important thing to figure out is that the Red Wolf is very aggressive. Yet, that aggression can be used against it. Once it finishes attacking, it will leave itself vulnerable to counterattacks. Given the frequency of its attacks, you'll have plenty of opportunities to go in for quick hits -- provided you dodge its attacks without fail. Don't bother chasing after it; keep your distance and let it come to you. Once it has finished its attacks, strike it and back away. Keep this up for the remainder of the battle, and you will eventually come out on top.

Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon

Rennala is an incredibly powerful magic user, and can easily vaporize your character with her spells.

FromSoftware / Namco Bandai Games

The two-phased fight against magic-wielding Rennala is a bizarre one, but it's still a challenging fight. Unlike other bosses, Rennala likes to keep her distance, use spells, and summon monsters to tear through you. She'll start off with having her academy students fight for her, but once the battle continues, she'll take matters into her own hands -- and that's where things can quickly go south.

The first phase taking place in the library is a strange one. As you can see in the center of the room, Rennala is suspended in the air and it's impossible to reach her. The only way to bring her down is to find three different glowing gold students. They're hidden in the library, so you'll have to run through the area to search for them. Once you destroy three students, Rennala will fall to the ground in the center of the room, opening her up for attack. She won't stay down for long, though. Once enough damage has been done, she'll come back up, forcing you to repeat the previous steps. The biggest dangers in this phase of the fight is the magic that sends furniture hurling towards you, along with some devastating spells that will turn Renalla's students into missiles. The best thing to do is dodge through these attacks while searching for glowing students. After you deal enough damage, Renalla will then get serious.

This second phase is where the fight gets more dangerous. Rennala is an adept mage, and she'll keep her distance away from you while she sends out devastating magic attacks. Many of her spells are homing, which means you'll need to be extra careful when dodging and running towards to close the distance. Also, she'll call in help from her plethora of summoned monsters, many of which are common foes you've fought through the game thus far. These additional enemies are ultimately a distraction. If you focus too much on them, Renalla will snipe at you with her spells, spelling a quick defeat. If you die during this phase, you'll have to repeat the first one again.

The best way to defeat Renalla is to take note from previous bosses and be aggressive. While Renalla has some spells that push you away, she is very weak at close range and easily staggered with attacks. If you are a spellcaster, the best thing to do is to dodge her spells and then cast your own in quick succession. The key to winning this fight is to not hesitate and land your attacks when you see a window of opportunity. If you can keep it up, then you'll defeat Renalla in no time.

Godfrey, First Elden Lord

Roll forwards, not backwards!

From Software

Godfrey is the first required boss in Leyndell. He's a big golden brute with a giant axe. Luckily, his attacks, while powerful, are somewhat typical for a boss. 

A good way to start off the fight is with a summon. If you haven't yet, visit the Fringefolk Hero's Grave, which is at the very start of the game behind a fog wall. Complete the dungeon and you'll receive Banished Knight Oleg who is a more powerful summon that can take quite a few hits from bosses. 

As for strategy, the key to his Godfrey fight is to roll forwards, not backwards. Godfrey makes use of his giant axe to reach you as you roll back. If you see him winding up, it's like he's getting ready for a long-reaching attack which is when you want to roll forward. He'll also use this attack when you're backpedaling while trying to heal. 

If there's an attack you want to be aware of it's his stomp. It comes out quickly and will stun just enough to combo into an axe swing if you don't move. If you see a stomp coming, try to use a shield to block the attack instead of rolling away since it can still catch you. 

You'll want to attack when you roll forward into those long axe attacks and when you roll away from his jumping pound attack. In both cases, he takes an extra couple of seconds to reset himself leaving him open to attacks. 

Morgott, The Omen King

If Margit gave you nightmares, Morgott is going to haunt you while you're awake. The Omen King is going to be the toughest challenge you've faced so far unless you have gained a substantial number of levels. Even then, this is far from an easy fight. 

The good news is that you have an orange summon available right outside the golden fog: Melina. If you don't see her symbol, use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal it. She's going to be vital for the fight as she can heal you while also dealing and taking damage. You'll also be able to use one of your own ash summons, but it's best to save that for the second phase.  

What's important in this battle is speed. Do not attempt long combos against Morgott. Their attacks are so quick, can do multiple hits and will be delayed in order to throw your timing off. What you want is to get in, do a quick jumping attack and run away. This is where having Melina helps because as soon as she becomes targeted, you can get a few more hits in as well as a jumping attack. 

In this fight, rolling back is more ideal as Morgott doesn't have long reaching attacks. If you're far away, they can throw some daggers or a lance that can be easily blocked or dodge. If you see swords floating above, that's a big area-of-effect attack and you want to roll back and avoid any areas where they land. 

Phase 2 starts when Morgott's health gets about halfway. They'll lean over and start coughing. This is your sign to run away because a big blast is about to happen. If you're clear, it's time to for an ash summon in order to get another target for Morgott. 

In the second phase, Morgott does the same attacks, but whenever an attack is missed, a puddle of liquid will be left that will erupt a few seconds after so make sure to avoid them. Aside from that, keep the same strategy of jumping in for quick attacks and then getting out of range. Keep this up and Morgott will go down.

Starscourge Radahn

The battle with Radahn is one of Elden Ring's most bizarre and epic boss fights. Come in prepared.

FromSoftware / Bandai Namco Games

While not required to complete the main story, this battle against Starscoruge Radahn is one of Elden Ring's most epic boss encounters, and it's one you'll likely find yourself walking into unintentionally. Located just off from Redmane Castle in the Caelid region, the battle with Radahn will see you face off against a towering foe who wields a ludicrous amount of power. Along with that, you'll call in many support characters to help you in battle. It's truly a one-of-a-kind fight, but it's also quite unforgiving. One wrong move against Radahn can result in a quick and brutal defeat.

What makes this battle so difficult is that is Radahn's attack power and range are so high that he can easily kill you within seconds of the fight beginning. He wields a magic-infused bow and twin great swords that can tear through your defenses. Right at the beginning, you'll need to close the distance on Radahn while also taking the time to summon allies to the fight. During this part of the fight, he'll try to pick you off with his arrows, and they deal considerable damage. You'll need to stick with cover, using the piles of old weapons as a shield, and close the distance to Radahn. You'll need to jump on Torrent and begin your attack from here.

This battle has two phases, and you'll need to pick your moments to attack Radahn and make a quick exit to avoid his strikes. For more of a detailed breakdown of the battle against Radahn, check out deeper guide that details the fight and the best strategies you'll need to beat him.

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Tags:

• Elden Ring Boss Guide How To Beat Margit Godrick Knight
• Elden Ring Boss Guide How To Beat Margit In Elden
• Melina Elden Ring Boss
• Elden Ring Boss Guide
• Elden Ring Interactive Map
• Elden Ring Dlc
• Elden Ring Weapons
• Elden Ring Builds