Our favorite microblogging bird, Twitter, has a lot going on as of late, with updates to its app and web client that may change the way users engage with the social-media service.

Within the last couple weeks, Twitter introduced an Instagram-like photo editor, Instagram bid adieu to Twitter integration, and Pinterest welcomed the site with open arms. Read on for an update on three changes happening at Twitter that you should know about.

• Twitter announced that if you like it, you can put a filter on it. The Twitter app update for iOS and Android includes filters, cropping tools, and auto-enhance for photos uploaded from the app.
• Speaking of filtered photos, you may have noticed that there's an empty void where Instagram pictures used to be on Twitter. That's because Instagram revoked access to Twitter cards, which enabled users to preview the image without having the click through to the link. Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom commented, "We've decided that right now, what makes sense is to direct our users to the Instagram website." Frown. In the battle between social-media sites, the users lose.
• As Instagram pulls further away from Twitter, Pinterest gets ever closer. The inspirational social sharing site introduced support for Twitter cards today, so users can preview pins without having to go to the Pinterest site. Including a pin's URL will automatically create a Twitter card in your Timeline.

Do you push more content to your Twitter account because of these social networks' seamless integration? Will the lack of Instagram preview on Twitter keep you from using either service?

How adorable are these two? Instagram user amfranco captured this precious moment using our #CoolCapture hashtag.

Have you been testing out your photography skills and snapped a shot you want to share? Submit your pics to our Cool Capture group or to Instagram with the #CoolCapture hashtag, and your pic might be featured on the GeekSugar homepage!

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If you've walked by a post office recently, then you've likely seen lines of Santa's elves dutifully waiting their turn to send seasonal cheer. Yes, it's time to start thinking of holiday cards, and no, it's not too late! Whether you're in search of a service to take care of the signing, sealing, and delivering to Santa's Workshop (what we prefer to call the post office this time of year) portion of the card tradition or you still want the chance to include a yearly update letter in the card, below is a card service for your needs.

• Red Stamp — The most diverse service we tried, Red Stamp lets you make cards on the website or iOS app, then send via snail mail, email, social network, or text (that's app-only). The website pulls photos from a variety of accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Google Drive, and Dropbox, among others, while the app synchs with Facebook, Instagram, and the internal photo library. Individual cards are $2 each, 2-24 cards are $1.59 each, and 25-74 cards are $1.39 each.
• Cheergram — Since you're on Instagram several times a day anyway, make that time productive and use your account with Cheergram to make cards in the time spent waiting in line for a morning coffee. Choose from a selection of preset holiday themes, match it with an Instagram photo, add a message, and you're set. For $29, you'll get 25 cards with envelopes. 
• Cards, by Apple — Download the free iOS Cards app to create letterpress cards with up to three images with custom messages from your iPad or iPhone. Send a card within the US for $3 (worldwide for $5 per card), and Apple takes care of the postage and mailing to each recipient. Plus, receive a push notification when the cards are set to be delivered.
• Sincerely Ink Cards — Download the free app for iOS or Android to get started making five-by-seven-inch glossy cards using photos from your phone's library. Add well wishes on the front, put a personalized message on the back, select the recipient, and then Sincerely takes care of the postage and trip to the post office for $2 a card.