[ABD] phpbbchat 0.4.0 (facebook like chat)

[stathisch]

Modification Name: phpbbchat
Author: stathisch

Modification Description: Adds a facebook-like chat system to your phpbb installation.
Modification Version: 0.4.0

Requirements:

• PHP5
• Apache webserver. I've found it chokes lighttpd (my demo server).
  For big forums, you're going to need a *strong* server, so it can handle the load.
• Blue Blood's FRAM mod

Features:

• Uses json to transfer the data, so it probably is substantially lighter than XML
• Friend list, like facebooks, with online/offline indicators.
• Friend chat tabs on the bottom on the screen, which the user can minimize, maximize, close etc. If a has more than one forum windows open, the changes to what chat window is open follows to all windows/tabs.
• Ajax long polling technique is used. That means, that conversations are next to realtime.
• Behavior of the mod is somewhat identical to facebook's. Eg. when a user talks to another, a chat window pops up.
• User typing indicator
• Timestamps on messages (server time, will be updated to reflect phpbb user timezone). Displayed on hover

To do:

• Feature: Sound when message arrives
• Feature: ACP & UCP options, maybe an 'offline' option

Screenshots:


Demo URL: http://phpbbchatdemo.dev.stathis.ch
Demo Username: tester
Demo Password: 123456

Modification Download:
DOWNLOAD 0.4.0
DOWNLOAD 0.3.5
DOWNLOAD 0.3.0
DOWNLOAD 0.2.0

Installation Notes: Make sure that every other version of phpbbchat is uninstalled first.

Changelog:
0.4.0

• Feature: split Online and offline users
• Bug fix: Unread messages
• Bug fix: Cache problem
• Note: I have seen that this mod is having some problems with XCache

0.3.5

• Some small style changes
• Bug fix: IE problems

0.3.0

• AutoMOD compatible, UMIL installer
• Feature: Purge message history option
• Feature: Web browser title changing
• Feature: Language files
• Bug fix: mod uses proper tables, using constants.php
• Bug fix: after installing for the first time, it does not load correctly until you send a message
• Bug fix: when you click on a user to start a chat, it may take up to 20 seconds to load

[darkonia]

can we see a live demo?

[stathisch]

I will set up a demo board in a bit.

[Mess]

I have a feature request. Probably out of the scope of this mod though, its a big one.

Id like to see integration with the major IM chat services, like AIM, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Yahoo, Xfire, Steam and Facebook.
Or maybe just Meebo integration? The rest (except xfire/steam) would follow through Meebo.

[stathisch]

I have a feature request. Probably out of the scope of this mod though, its a big one.

Id like to see integration with the major IM chat services, like AIM, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Yahoo, Xfire, Steam and Facebook.
Or maybe just Meebo integration? The rest (except xfire/steam) would follow through Meebo.

That's nice, but I don't see a clear use of that in a phpBB forum...
At first I thought - great idea, but then... what's the reason for not using just meebo to do all that?

[stathisch]

Demo board added.

[Mess]

I have a feature request. Probably out of the scope of this mod though, its a big one.

Id like to see integration with the major IM chat services, like AIM, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Yahoo, Xfire, Steam and Facebook.
Or maybe just Meebo integration? The rest (except xfire/steam) would follow through Meebo.

That's nice, but I don't see a clear use of that in a phpBB forum...
At first I thought - great idea, but then... what's the reason for not using just meebo to do all that?

Being able to chat with any of my friends, no matter what IM service they use, while browsing my phpBB forum. Would be a plus in my book, and would probably make me stay longer, come back more often etc.

The reason to use this over Meebo would be the integration, offering the option to also chat with you're friends on the specific forum.

[Mr. Man!]

I like how the style of the chat follows the style of the board. Great work. I will be waiting for a stabilized version of this chat in a couple of days. A shoutbox + this mod will be perfect for my forum

[darkonia]

for me too.

only a simple version how you do it, nothing else with meebo bla etc.

the notification or a blinking effect and this chat is perfect.

[Mr. Man!]

Yeah, keep it simple unlike the other mod by Kahmal that just died lol

[stathisch]

I like it simple too.
Would you guys like to see integration with the phpbb smilies or something?

Btw, I have some free time these days... so I'm planning to have these features in soon.

[Mr. Man!]

Smilies integration would be fine

[darkonia]

yeah smilies would be nice

[Mr. Man!]

I am on the site right now talking to the mod author. Trying to get him to implement a "few" features hahahaha!

[darkonia]

i hope nothing that the dev will to hard and make the mod abandoned like the rest...