Instagram leaves Twitter in the dust and Google finds a new reason to monitor your messages.
I'm Bridget Carey and this is your CNET update.
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Instagram is now larger than Twitter.
The Facebook owned app reported it has 300 million active users.
To compare Twitter has about 284 million.
The majority of Instagram's users, more than 200 million, are outside of the US.
Facebook also owns the messenger service WhatsApp which has about 600 million users.
That's twice the size of Instagram.
Another messaging app just got an update to better compete with Facebook.
Google Hangouts added stickers.
You know those cutsie cartoon cutouts that express feelings.
Google Hangouts also added filters to video calls so you can talk in black and white.
But Google is also reading the texts you send to give what it calls smart suggestions.
If you're meeting up with a friend and you type where are you Hangouts will take notice and prompt you.
To share your location with one tap.
It'll also tell your friends the time you were last on the app so it'll be harder to hide and ignore chats.
The updates are out now for Android and coming to Iowa soon.
Now since we're on the topic of updates, Snapchat also has been updated with new caption features so you can change colors of text, pinch to resize and drag text around the screen.
It also lets you use layers of filters.
And.
Photos are in full resolution for new iPhone 6 models.
If only they would make more improvements to encryption and security protections, cuz that would be swell.
Now if you're among the few with an Android powered smartwatch, you can get some new watch-face designs.
There's a whole section in the App Store for watch designs.
There are also a few interface improvements for navigating, blocking notifications, or checking the app's battery and storage status.
Moving to the topic of streaming video Amazon updated its instant video app to stream in 4K ultra HD.
For Prime and non-Prime users.
The catch is that it's only available on select 2014 4k Ultra HD televisions, but it doesn't cost anything extra to get the better resolution.
Netflix also added 4K as an option earlier this year.
With the series House of Cards and a couple of nature documentaries.
Amazon is also making changes to its shopping site.
You can haggle the price of some items.
It's called Make an Offer.
But you'll only find it on fine art and one-of-a-kind collectables that cost more than $100.
About 150,000 items now have the Make an Offer button.
That's your tech news update.
There's always more at cnet.com.
And you can stay updated by following me on Twitter.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey.
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