Tags: chat, talk

Windows Starter Kit 2010: Must-have PC apps

Bought a new PC but hate the bloatware it comes with? We've sourced the best free Windows apps to increase your productivity.

For lovers of INQ's first mobile release or for anyone who just loves a bargain we introduce the INQ Chat and INQ Mini 3G.

Nintendo DS Headset

This cheap headset will help out when voice chatting in the few games that support it, but it's otherwise unnecessary.
Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000

Forget tears at the airport, with Microsoft's LifeCam NX-6000 you can keep in touch from anywhere in the world. With its great protective casing and design, and three-year warranty the LifeCam is deisnged for those on the move.
Google Talk beta

With an interface that lacks ads, the simple Google Talk beta dresses up its features by allowing you to leave and receive free voicemail messages, transfer files, and find out what music your buddies are tuning in to.
Yappermouse

The Yappermouse delivers on its promise of being a mouse that talks, although it'll only talk to the Skype network.
Kyocera KX440

If you've got a compelling business reason to own a push-to-talk phone, then the KX440 was built for you. If you're after a flashier phone, it definitely isn't.
Google Talk

With an interface that lacks ads but is also short on features, this early Google Talk beta serves Gmail users who want to chat via text or voice.
Yahoo Messenger with Voice 8

Free voice calls and voicemail, built-in Web searches, and drag-and-drop photo sharing make Yahoo's new instant messenger a fun, powerful IM tool.
Yahoo Messenger 7.0 (beta)

Yahoo's next IM app lets you make free voice calls and leave voicemail, and it adds search and antispam tools.

Webcam Buying Guide

Six different webcams available on the market today, some of which are good buys, some to be avoided.
IM invasion: top chat apps compared

Like e-mail, instant messaging has become a part of our lives, at work, at home, at school, on the go -- even on our mobile phones. We take a look at four top chat apps, all of them free, and weigh the relative merits of each.

Google's free SMS gravy train dries up

Google has announced it will close off access to the part of Google Talk that lets third-party developers send and receive text messages.
Moko wants you!

Australian mobile social networking site Moko is in the process of electing its first President and wants you to get involved.
Don't shoot Microsoft's new Messenger

The latest release of Windows Live Messenger beta adds some cool new features, but only if all your friends are using it too.
Photophlow puts a fresh face on Flickr

Photophlow enlivens the Flickr experience with photo-sharing chat rooms — and shows what the Yahoo photo-sharing could be. Next up: A new face on Facebook.A new face on Facebook.

Mac Starter Kit: Must-have apps

Out of the box, a new Mac is loaded with cool apps to get you started, but it doesn't come with everything you'll need. Check out our round-up of apps that Mac users count on every day and aren't included in the initial set-up.
What's the best Webcam for video chat?

I'm in the market for a new Webcam and was wondering what the best Webcam would be.
DIY: Start your VoIP DJ career

Want to create your own streaming radio station? We show you how with this simple hack.
DIY: Parents' guide to online safety

Your children will surf the Web, chat, and download files. With some help from these software tools, you can protect them while they do what kids do.