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Amazon Prime Day 2022: Remaining Deals On Laptops, TVs And More


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Amazon Prime Day 2022: Remaining Deals on Laptops, TVs and More


Amazon Prime Day 2022: Remaining Deals on Laptops, TVs and More

We handpick the products and services we write about. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

With Prime Day behind us, the deals have started to dry up. However, they're not quite gone yet. There are still a lot of discounts available to take advantage of right now. If you're looking to save some money, here's your cue. Amazon and many other retailers who were running their own anti-Prime Day deals are still offering plenty of big discounts on TVs, headphones, fitness gear, home goods and more. To help you take full advantage of these deals before they're gone, we've rounded up some of the best bargains still available below. 

There have also been some rumors swirling that Amazon will have another Prime sales event in the fall, but you don't have to wait that long to find big savings with tons of great deals still available. 

Update, 12:02 p.m. E.T.: Notable deals that we've found today that are new or beating Prime Day prices include:

We handpick the products and services we write about. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our reviews ethics statement .

Best remaining Prime Day deals on Amazon devices

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $30

If you're wanting to add some smarts to your existing TV, you can do exactly that while saving 40% on Amazon's 4K-capable streaming stick today. Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is a great pick if you're new to smart TV functionality with its easy-to-use OS and included Alexa-enabled voice remote. 

Best remaining Prime Day deals on TV and streaming

  • Roku Express: $18 (save $12)
  • Roku Express 4K Plus: $25 (save $15)
  • Chromecast with Google TV: $40 (save $10)
  • Nebula projectors : Up to $500 off
  • LG Cinebeam 4K projector: $1,260 (save $540)
  • Hisense 50-inch R6 Series 4K Roku TV: $280 (save $170)
  • Hisense 55-inch R6G 4K smart TV: $310  (save $290)
  • Sony 55-inch Bravia XR OLED A80K Series 4K Smart TV: $1,698 (save $302)
  • Sony 65-inch Bravia XR OLED A80K Series 4K Smart TV: $1,998 (save $302)
  • Sony 77-inch Bravia XR OLED A80K Series 4K Smart TV: $3,298 (save $202)
  • Samsung 55-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $748 (save $50)
  • Samsung 60-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $798 (save $100)
  • Samsung 65-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $898 (save $100)
  • Samsung 75-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,298 (save $100)
  • Samsung 85-inch QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,998 (save $300)
  • Samsung 43-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,098 (save $100)
  • Samsung 50-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,498 (save $100)
  • Samsung 55-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $1,598 (save $300)
  • Samsung 65-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $2,298 (save $300)
  • Samsung 75-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $2,798 (save $700)
  • Samsung 85-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV: $3,998 (save $100)
  • LG 48-inch OLED C1 Series 4K Smart TV: $797  (save $703)
  • LG 65-inch OLED C1 Series 4K Smart TV: $1,600  (save $900)
  • LG 83-inch OLED C1 Series 4K Smart TV: $3,997  (save $2,003)
  • LG 48-inch OLED Evo C2 Series 4K Smart TV: $1,497  (save $103)
  • LG 55-inch OLED Evo C2 Series 4K Smart TV: $1,697  (save $103)
  • LG 65-inch OLED Evo C2 Series 4K Smart TV: $2,297  (save $203)
  • Furrion 55-inch Aurora full shade outdoor TV: $1,500 (save $400)
  • Furrion 65-inch Aurora partial sun outdoor TV: $2,300 (save $1,000)
  • Samsung QLED smart TVs with Alexa: Up to $1,500 off
  • TCL 50-inch 4-Series 4K Smart TV: $300  (save $200)
  • TCL 65-inch 6-series 4K smart TV: $1,000  (save $500)

Best remaining Prime Day deals on tech and smart home

Google Pixel 6 Pro: $699

The Google Pixel 6 Pro's unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-round performance have already earned the phone an excellent rating in our full review. With performance that's every bit as good as its design, it's the best phone Google has ever made. The main camera is on par with the best iPhones. And at $699 for the base 128GB model in this sale, it trounces its premium phone rivals in price.

Best remaining Prime Day deals on headphones and speakers

AirPods Pro: $170

While they've been out a while and the AirPods Pro 2 should be coming sometime in 2022, the Apple AirPods Pro remain a great pair of true wireless earphones. That's largely due to their winning design and fit, good sound, effective noise canceling and spatial audio, which is a virtual-sound mode for watching movies and TV shows. They're also excellent for making voice calls and have a top-notch transparency mode. Also worth noting: They're IPX4 splashproof, so they're suitable for sporting activities, though for a more secure fit you may want to invest in third-party foam ear tips, which are grippier than the tips Apple includes.

Their lowest price to date was $159 (in late 2021), but $170 is the lowest we've seen them for in 2022. 

Best remaining Prime Day deals on home and garden

Best remaining Prime Day deals on health and fitness

Fitbit Versa 2: $114

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a fitness tracker that works with both Android and iOS to monitor calories burned, steps taken and is touchscreen compatible. Plus, it's water resistant up to 164 feet and has a long battery life with up to 144 hours of use. This fitness watch is just $114, $36 off from its original price.

Best remaining Prime Day deals on beauty and fashion

Content update

By CNET staff

The latest update includes new deals on a Cosori air fryer, Philips Hue smart lighting and digital food scales.

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The latest update includes new deals on Amazon Echo devices, a Roborock robot vacuum and a Sony digital camera.

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The latest update includes new deals on a Garmin smartwatch, On/Go COVID tests, Norton software and a Gryphon router.

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The latest update includes new deals on every day household items like paper towels, toilet paper and more.

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The latest include includes new deals on microSD cards, a USB extension cord and a floral shower curtain.

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This update includes new deals on a batwing night shirt, a water filter straw and an insulated water bottle.

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The latest update includes new deals on a pack of GE Cync smart flood lights, a Dash Precision meat thermometer and a four-pack of Amysen smart plugs. 

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The latest update includes new deals on a Bissell steam mop, a Nourison floral rug runner and a Yamaha turntable.

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The latest update includes new deals on Norton antivirus software, a Tile Slim Bluetooth tracker and the second-gen Echo Show 5. 

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The latest update includes new deals on a Dreamtech cordless vacuum, GE Cync ceiling fan smart switch and a Moft compact laptop stand. 

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The latest update includes new deals on a Google Nest smart thermostat, Yeedi robot vacuum and a Belkin wireless charging pad. 

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The latest update includes new deals on a pair of Yamaha noise-canceling headphones, a PowerXL air fryer and a Samsung solid-state drive for the PlayStation 5. 

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The latest update includes new deals on a GE Cync smart light strip, Belkin wireless earbuds and a Mr. Coffee iced coffee maker. 

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The latest update includes new deals on an Acer Chromebook, Echo Show bundle and Unagi electric scooter. 

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The latest update includes new deals on Case-Mate iPhone and Android cases, the Roku Streambar, and SimpliSafe home security systems. 

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The latest update includes new deals on an exercise bike, Samsung laptop, and an Adidas windbreaker.

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The latest update includes a full overhaul of our previous deal selection to remove deals that expired when Prime Day ended. We've also updated prices on deals that are still available, as well as added new deals on Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro, UltraLoq smart locks and Samsung QLED TVs.

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The latest update includes new deals on a rice cooker, stainless steel travel mug and air purifiers.

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The latest update includes new deals on a weight bench, a 4K projector and gaming monitors.

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The latest update includes a beverage chiller, adjustable dumbbells and a treadmill.

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The latest update includes new deals on a string trimmer and leaf blower combo, a Keurig coffee maker and complete TV series collections.

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The latest update includes new deals on Apple AirTag loops, Microsoft 365 and a Ring video doorbell + Echo Show 5 bundle.

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Most recent update includes deals on Roomba robot vacuums and maps as well as Ninja ice cream makers and blenders.

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Most recent update includes Razer Iskur gaming chair, Middle-earth 6-movie 4K collection and more.

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Most recent update includes new deals for Meta Quest 2, Ring smart doorbell devices and Apple AirPods Max.

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Most recent update includes new deals for Keurig K-Slim, Trident 6-piece towel set and Beats Studio Buds.

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Most recent update includes new deals for iPad Air (4th-Gen), Shark Pet Plus vacuum and discounts on complete film collections.

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Most recent update includes new deals for Fitbit Charge 5, Echo Frames (2nd-Gen), and BlueAir HEPA air purifier.

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Most recent update includes new deals for MacBook Air, Fire TV Cube and Syrinx weighted blanket. 


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IOS 15.3 Update Patches Serious IPhone Security Flaws And Fixes Bugs


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iOS 15.3 update patches serious iPhone security flaws and fixes bugs


iOS 15.3 update patches serious iPhone security flaws and fixes bugs

Apple has rushed out a pair of updates for iPhones and iPads that fix several security flaws, including a Safari bug that lets websites you visit see your browsing history and other personal data.

Both iOS 15.3 and iPadOS 15.3 fix the Safari issue, as detailed by 9to5Mac, as well as several other vulnerabilities within ColorSync, iCloud and other software as detailed on Apple's support page. Don't expect any new features, as these software updates just patch a handful of current issues.

Like all other iOS 15 updates, iOS 15.3 is free and available to compatible Apple devices: the iPhone 6S and newer iPhone SE (2016), and iPod Touch (7th generation). Similarly, iPadOS 15.3 is free and compatible with these tablets and newer: the iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro (all models), iPad Mini 4 and iPad Air 2.

To update your iPhone or iPad, head to the Settings app > General > Software Update and tap Install Now.  

Apple also started rolling out WatchOS 8.4 for Apple Watch users in an unrelated update that fixes bugs and improves performance. To update your Apple Watch, head to the Settings app > General > Software Update, or do the same through the Watch mobile app on your paired iPhone.


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Update Your IPhone: Apple Releases Security Patch For An Active Exploit


Update your iPhone: Apple releases security patch for an active exploit


Update your iPhone: Apple releases security patch for an active exploit

Apple just released an update for iOS and iPadOS 15.0.2, which fixes a security bug on Apple devices. Notably, Apple says that the bug "may have been actively exploited," which means you should update your device right now.

Monday's update fixes a memory corruption issue that might have allowed some apps to "execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges," according to Apple's support page. Translation? Hackers could use the vulnerability to take over your iPhone or iPad. Updating your device should close the vulnerability.

This is Apple's second security update in a month, following September's Pegasus spyware-related update


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IOS 16 Beta: Check Out All The New Features For IPhone


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iOS 16 Beta: Check Out All the New Features for iPhone


iOS 16 Beta: Check Out All the New Features for iPhone

This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET's complete coverage from and about Apple's annual developers conference.

What's happening

Apple previewed iOS 16, the next major version of iPhone software, at its 2022 developers conference, and now the OS has entered a public beta.

Why it matters

iOS 16 rolls out this fall to iPhone 8 models and newer. It's filled with major updates, including the ability to customize your lock screen, and frequently requested tools such as the ability to edit and "unsend" iMessage texts. It also adds significant privacy utilities.

What's next

iOS 16 is expected to be released in fall 2022.

Apple released its latest public beta for iOS 16, and this version includes a new battery percentage icon. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, this makes it easier to tell how much battery power remains: The remaining percentage is neatly nestled inside the battery symbol on the top right of the display. Until now, the battery indicator has been absent on Face ID iPhones and you had to open Control Center to view how much juice your phone has left.


You can still download the operating system and try out all its new features on a compatible iPhone ahead of its public release in the fall. While the software is still in development and much can change between now and its public release, there's plenty of upgrades focused on communication, personalization and privacy, including changes to your iPhone's lock screen, Messages app and Wallet. There are several lesser-known features lurking in iOS 16 that are worth checking out, too. 

First previewed at the company's annual WWDC keynote, iOS 16 should get a wide release alongside the heavily rumored iPhone 14. The new software will work on iPhone 8 models and newer.

Here's every iOS 16 feature you should know about.

Edit and 'unsend' messages

"Embarrassing typos are a thing of the past," Apple SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said as he introduced three of the most requested features for the Messages app.

First, in iOS 16 you'll be able to edit sent messages. So if you notice a typo after a message, you'll be able to edit the message after the fact. A tiny "edited" appears in the status under the message.

A screenshot of the iOS 16 Messages app showing one that's been edited

In Messages, you can edit previously sent messages.

Apple

Next, and this might be my favorite new feature, you can immediately recall a sent message. If you accidentally send an unfinished message, you can use the Undo Send tool to prevent it from being read and hopefully look less chaotic to your friends and family.

Last, you can mark messages and threads as unread. This could be an excellent tool for when you don't have time to respond to a message in the moment, but want to make sure you come back to it later.

A new customizable lock screen

One of the things you look at the most on your iPhone is the lock screen, especially if you have a Face ID-equipped iPhone. iOS 16 brings the most substantial update to the iPhone's lock screen yet. Press and hold to edit your lock screen. You can swipe to try out several different styles. Each style changes the color filter for the background photo and the font on the lock screen so everything complements each other. This feels a bit like Apple's take on Google's Material You, which launched with Android 12.

You can also customize the fonts for the time and date, and add lock screen widgets like temperature, activity rings and a calendar. The widgets are akin to complications on the Apple Watch lock screen. 

Your iPhone will become more customizable in iOS 16. You'll be able to choose how your lock screen looks, down to the font and color.

Apple

You can even set up multiple customized lock screens with different widgets and easily swipe to switch between them. There's also a photo shuffle option that automatically changes the pictures on your lock screen.

One feature we hoped to see Apple add was an always-on display. It's something nearly all Android phones have; even the Apple Watch does. There's hope the iPhone 14 will have one.

A screenshot of the Live Activities tool on the bottom of the lock screen

iOS 16 adds a feature that developers can use called Live Activities. This is essentially a mini view of the real-time progress of a workout, sporting event or Uber ride from your iPhone's lock screen.

Apple

Notifications and live activities

Sometimes notifications can cover up your lock screen's photo, so iOS 16 moves notifications to the bottom of your display. As you receive them, instead of being compiled into a list, they appear like a vertical carousel. This not only looks better but should be a big help for one-handed use of your iPhone.

iOS 16 also aims to solve another notification problem. Sometimes you get a bunch of notifications in a row from one app, like the score of a basketball game. A new tool for developers called Live Activities makes it easier to stay on top of things happening in real time from your lock screen, instead of getting a series of interruptions.

Live Activities should make it easier to follow sporting events, workouts or even the progress of an Uber ride.

Skip CAPTCHAs using Private Access Tokens

The CAPTCHA -- which stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart -- has been a necessary evil across the internet. CAPTCHAs are designed to make sure that a person is accessing a website or service, and not a bot. I find them annoying, as they often involve reading strangely written letters or having to find all the images that have a truck. With iOS 16, Apple plans to start replacing these awkward interactions with Private Access Tokens.

According to a video on Apple's website demonstrating Private Access Tokens, websites that support the token will essentially log in and authenticate that you are indeed a human without your having to play any of the usual CAPTCHA games. Apple says in the video that the company is working with other companies to roll out support for this feature, so we can't say the CAPTCHA will be dead after iOS 16 rolls out to the public. But the concept could provide some relief if it gets adopted.

Wallet and Apple Pay Later

ID cards from more states will be available in your Wallet app along with more security and privacy features. In iOS 16 you can also protect your identity and age. So rather than showing your exact birth date, the Wallet app will display your ID and that you're over 21.

iOS 16 makes sharing keys easier with apps like Mail and Messages. When your friend receives the key, they can add it to the Wallet app on their iPhone. Apple said it's working to make sure that shared keys are an industry standard and free for others.

A screenshot of cards in the Wallet app for iOS 16

The Wallet app in iOS 16 gets a bunch of small but notable updates, including the Apple Pay Later payment plan.

Apple

Apple Pay will support new types of payments and adds a new feature called Apple Pay Later, a Klarna-like service that lets you split the cost of an Apple Pay purchase into four equal payments spread over six weeks, with zero interest and no fees. Upcoming payments are managed through the Wallet app, making it easy to keep track of dates and payments.

But Apple Pay doesn't stop there. A new feature will also help you track Apple Pay orders and lets merchants deliver detailed receipts and tracking information. This should make it easier to stay up to date on the status of all your orders.

A screenshot of a thread in Messages where a cutout of a dog is added

You can tap and hold on the subject of a photo and separate it from the background. Then you can drag it into another app like Messages to share it.

Apple

Visual Lookup's tap and drag for photos

In iOS 15, Visual Look Up analyzes your photos and can identify objects like plants, landmarks and pets. iOS 16 takes this to the next level. When you touch a photo's subject like the dog in the image above, you can lift it away from the background and add it to apps like Messages. Essentially it's a tap-and-hold tool that removes a photo's background.

Apple sometimes overuses the word "magic," but this feature truly seems like it.

Craig Federighi introduces SharePlay in Messages in front of a giant screen

During the keynote for WWDC, Apple executive Craig Federighi introduces SharePlay for the Messages app.

Apple

SharePlay comes to Messages

SharePlay, which debuted in iOS 15, lets you have a shared experience while connecting with someone over FaceTime. You can watch TV shows, listen to music in sync and other things. iOS 16 adds the ability to discover more apps that support SharePlay from within FaceTime.

But perhaps one of the coolest things Apple did for SharePlay was to make it work within the Messages app. Apple said that this was one of the biggest requests from app developers. Now when you want to share a movie on Disney Plus, you can start SharePlay together with a friend while chatting in Messages.

An Apple executive presents the Safety Check feature during the WWDC keynote

Safety Check lets you quickly reset location sharing and access to passwords. It's intended to be helpful for people in abusive relationships.

Apple

Safety Check aims to help people in abusive relationships

Safety Check  is a new feature intended to be helpful for people in abusive relationships. It lets you review and reset who has access to location information as well as passwords, messages and other apps on an iPhone.

Focus mode updates and Focus filters

Focus mode gets several updates. The first applies Focus behaviors to widgets and lock screen looks. So you could have one lock screen set for when your Work Focus is enabled and another for workouts.

Apple added specific Focus filters that apply your iPhone's Focus mode within apps. For example, in Safari, you can limit what tabs are shown depending on what Focus mode you have active.

Apple Maps adds transit fare cards

Maps will get several updates. You'll be able to plan trips with up to 15 different stops along the way. If you start planning a trip with the Maps app on your Mac, you'll be able to share that to your iPhone.

And in something similar to what Google announced for Google Wallet in Android 13, you'll be able to see transit fare estimates as well as add more money to a fare card from within Apple Maps.

Craig Federighi shows off the new Quick Start feature during the WWDC keynote

In iOS 16 you'll be able to customize Quick Start with a specific child's iCloud parental controls and settings.

Apple

iCloud family checklist

iCloud gets several new features. One of the more interesting ones is the option to quickly set up a new device for your child. When Quick Start appears, you have the option to pick a user for the new device and use all the existing parental controls you've previously selected and configured. However, this is not what many of us still want: the ability to set up separate users for the same device.

There's a new family checklist with tips for updating settings for your kids as they get older, like a reminder to check location-sharing settings or share your iCloud Plus subscriptions.

For more, check out everything Apple announced at WWDC 2022.


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WhatsApp, Kik, Viber Or ReTXT: Which Third-party Messenger Is Right For You?


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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

whatsapppromo.jpg
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.


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.


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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