RockMelt Improves Chat, Adds ‘Read Later’ Functionality

Windows/Mac: RockMelt, the new Chromium-based social networking browser, updated today to add improved Facebook chat, real-time Twitter updates, a bookmark-and-read-later function, and support for Chromium 10.

We talked about RockMelt back when it first came out, but today’s update pushes the browser forward in both the areas of usability and features. RockMelt now keeps a small chat bar in the bottom of your screen for Facebook chat, instead of separate windows, making organisation a little easier and a little more like the way Facebook (and similar apps like GTalk) already handle chat. It’s also updated its Twitter integration to include real-time updates, as well as updated the entire base browser to the super speedy Chromium 10.

It’s also jumped on the “read-it-later” bandwagon and added a bookmarking feature that saves links you find on Twitter and Facebook for later viewing. It’s nice that it separates this from your other bookmarks, but doesn’t seem too compelling to use as it’s a RockMelt-only feature — unlike something like Instapaper, Read It Later, or even Google Reader, which let you access your read later list on many platforms and devices. It would be cooler if it actually integrated with one of these existing, established services instead of just creating its own list.

All in all, it’s a nice update if you’re already a RockMelt fan, but probably won’t be coaxing any sceptics (some of us at Lifehacker included) to try it out yet. It is in open beta now, though, so if you’re curious, check out the video above to see what it’s all about, or hit the link below to take it for a spin.

RockMelt is a free download for Windows and Mac OS X. Note that the new beta is rolling out to RockMelt users gradually, so you might not get the new features right away — just hang tight, and you’ll probably get an update soon.

Rockmelt [via RockMelt Blog]