I hope this one makes it to its full potential. A heck of a lot more sites should have chat embedded on them than currently do. HN is a perfect example. We should have a "Chat" link in the navigation bar where we can hang out. We should be automatically signed in with our existing usernames.
A while ago I looked into doing this and were no good options. Mibbit was the closest but it's a bit ugly, doesn't have much of an API, and relies on IRC (which has pros and cons).
Personally I hate the Meebo-style bar they've implemented, but the actual chat is good and you can embed it in a page and disable the bar entirely.
hehe thanks. Unfortunately most of my work lately has been on scaling and keeping the service running smoothly. One day I'll get back to adding features and smartening things up :)
Good luck to envolve BTW, they have a good product I think, hopefully the're ready for the inevitable growing pains, attacks, etc etc
Honest question - why do more sites need chat? Is it really something people are dying to do? I find directly chatting rather awkward when I'm not fully engaged with the person to begin with. I feel like most people start with delayed communication (message boards, email, etc) and work towards quicker means of communication (chat, video, phone, etc) only when warranted.
For me, chat toolbars that can be placed on third-party sites make me think of Meebo as well. I don't think Facebook has a third-party embeddable toolbar (yet).
chartbeat did the exact same thing called firefly. Their implementation was almost identical to envovle, but they ultimately pivoted to what they are today.
A while ago I looked into doing this and were no good options. Mibbit was the closest but it's a bit ugly, doesn't have much of an API, and relies on IRC (which has pros and cons).
Personally I hate the Meebo-style bar they've implemented, but the actual chat is good and you can embed it in a page and disable the bar entirely.