New Chatbox Coming

Or at least an upgraded one. Thinks its time to upgrade Taiga Chat after we seem to be having problems with the free version tonight. Here are the benefits of the upgrade:

"
New 'speed-mode' refresh system

Inspired by the architecture behind all good 4chan-style imageboard scripts, this system replaces the extremely server-intensive calls to a PHP script on every refresh with a static HTML file that is rewritten when someone posts a message.

This creates a level of efficiency previously only reachable by embedded IRC chatrooms or custom server software. And the best part? It works on shared hosting.

Where previously maybe 10 or 20 people could chat on a low refresh time like 1 or 2 seconds without having an effect on server load and site speed, now most servers should have absolutely no problem handling hundreds of concurrent users.

(Note that this system makes it possible for users who know what they are doing to view (not post) shoutbox messages regardless of permissions - be sure to disable it if you plan on posting private data in shoutbox messages. For the vast majority of uses (even as a members-only or VIP chat), this is not an issue and it can be safely enabled.)
Persistent message colours and colour picker

Inspired by vSA ChatBox, users can now pick a colour to use for all their messages - this improves overall readability as messages can be identified at a glance. Plus, instead of having to figure out the [color] bbcode and fiddle with hex codes, there is now a full colour picker.





Realtime-updating Message Of The Day

Going above and beyond the original request for some kind of 'announcement' or 'sticky message' in the shoutbox, I have added an MOTD which updates for all users viewing the shoutbox instantly without refreshing, and that can be edited by anyone with appropriate permissions - so even your moderators, not just admins.






Realtime 'users in chat' listing

As you may have noticed from the above screenshots, all shoutbox views now display the number of users currently viewing the shoutbox, and this is updated in realtime.

The 'users in chat' sidebar display on the Full view has also been brought up to date, with all previous bugs fixed and the addition of realtime updating. Additionally, it is now available as a XenPorta and [bd] Widget Framework widget.





Message notifications in tab/window title

A new optional feature: while in the full shoutbox and the tab or window is unfocused, the title will be flashed to grab your attention when a new message is posted, akin to Facebook messenger.




Live threads and posts

If you desire, new threads or new threads and replies can now be displayed in the shoutbox.



/me command




Ban from shoutbox

A new addition to the message dropdown, allowing anyone with the appropriate permissions to ban a user from the shoutbox. This allows you to have 'shoutbox moderators' without giving them Admin CP access.




/prune command

Commonly requested, this allows anyone with the appropriate permission to clear the shoutbox. Unlike the community-made prune button, this will save any new messages to your archive thread, if enabled.



Ignore support

Added support for the built-in XenForo Ignore feature. It is also possible to have messages hidden entirely, rather than how they are displayed in this screenshot.



[bd] Widget Framework and XenPorta support
Comprehensive support for the [bd] Widget Framework addon has been added, and the existing XenPorta support has been extended.

Available widgets in both:

- Sidebar shoutbox
- Alt (full width) shoutbox
- Users in Chat (realtime updated)


Miscellaneous features

Other new features, or features that cannot be easily described with a screenshot:

- Moved mini avatars to the left of timestamps to improve readability.
- Moved BBCode toolbar to the side of the message input box.
- Changed template edits to use template hooks, eliminating the need for the ‘global hook’ option - should reduce server load slightly if you had it enabled.
- Added option to disable smilies.
- Refresh speed now controlled on a window focused/unfocused basis, with extra support for slower refreshing in background tabs in modern browsers.
- Message editing is now done inline and instantly without redirecting.
- Added new 'Absolute Time' time display - displays full date for previous days' messages and time only for current day.

Bugfixes

Many bugs from TaigaChat free have been resolved - here are a few of the noteworthy ones:

- Fixed 'Users in Chat' being basically completely broken
- Fixed small client-side/browser freezes when refreshing
- Fixed scrolling to bottom with Reverse mode enabled not taking large images into account (now waits until images are loaded)
- Fixed URLs not being parsed in archive output
- Fixed numerous javascript console errors and warnings"

 

Might have to buy this today in order to get chat back ASAP. The other good things about buying it now are the price and the fact that the developer is still there supporting his products. Have to respect that.

 

Yea, looks like buying the pro version is the only way to go at this point. Will buy it tonight.

 

Ok, it has been bought and will be installed sometime this week.

 

Ok, got it ready to be installed.

Here is what is needed to be done to finish this.

If you DO NOT use [bd] Widget Framework:

1. Remove your previous template edit from the forum_list template (see old install instructions for reference). Take note of its position and type (sidebar or full width).
2. Revert all dark_taigachat* templates.

 

Well, the main thing is that we got it installed and working.

 

Thanks, it is nice to have a customizable chat again.