Online chat systems have evolved a lot in recent years. We’ve seen the development of platforms like Uhmegle, where people are chatting with strangers from all around the world. Talkomatic is one of these platforms, but it is a bit different from the others.
Where others provide modernity, Talkomatic sticks to the roots of the first-ever online chat system made back in the 1970s. That system was also called Talk-o-Matic, and the newer version is inspired by it. In this article, I am going to discuss more useful and informative details about this online chatting platform. Let’s start.
What is Talkomatic?
Talkomatic is an online chatting platform where people can chat with each other in real time. It means every member present in the chat is able to view the message as it is being typed. The specialty of this platform is that it is inspired by the original Talk-o-Matic, which is the first social chat system ever made.
Although the newer version is inspired by the old Talk-O-Matic, it has provided a lot of new features as well. For example, you get to join both public and private chatrooms where you can chat with strangers easily. Besides that, Talkomatic is available in most countries of the world. So, you have the opportunity to connect with people from around the world.
History of Talkomatic:
Before I begin discussing the features of Talkomatic, let’s take a brief look at its history. In 1973, two students named Doug Brown and David R. Woolley created an online chat system called Talk-o-Matic.
These students were from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The chat system was presented to the senior admins but was rejected by them. Nevertheless, the platform became famous, and a lot of people started using it.
What’s interesting about the original Talk-o-Matic is that it used to work without the Internet (since the Internet hadn’t been invented yet).
It was built for the PLATO IV computer system and used and was hosted on a CDC Dual Cyber 6600. It was connected to thousands of terminals spread across different countries, including the U.S and then-called Soviet Union.
Moderation in chatting systems:
As the technology became more advanced, the idea of a web-based Talkomatic started to take shape in the 90s. However, it took a good amount of time for the modern platform to actually start working in 2014.
After that, it went through several updates after being shut down in 2024. Now, the new version is available at Talkomatic.co and provides a similar experience.
Key Features of Talkomatic:
Talkomatic is packed with some very useful features. I’ve discussed their details below:
Free to use:
This chatting platform is completely free to use. There are no premium subscriptions that you need to purchase in order to chat with people here. This feature makes the site a perfect choice for those who prefer enjoying chatting without spending any money.
Interactive interface:
The interactive interface is another useful feature of this platform. The user has full control over all of the available features. It includes singing up, sending messages, and trying out different versions. The developers have made sure that the site is completely user-friendly and that people don’t get confused while using it.
Real-time chatting:
What makes this platform different from other chatting sites is its real-time chat feature. When you’re in a room, you’ll be able to see exactly what the other members are typing as they type the message. Similarly, other members are also able to see what you are typing or removing from the message.
Language filter:
A language filter is used to make the site polite and friendly. It means that Talkomatic censors all the offensive words that are typed by the users. This feature vouches for the safety and appropriateness of the site.
Video chat options available:
Besides text-based chatting, the option of video chatting is available here as well. Talkomatic has a specific version called Talkomegele that lets you interact with strangers from around the world via video chatting.
Talkomatic Version Details:
Talkomatic currently has three different versions. I’ve discussed their details below:
Classic version:
For people who are still fans of the old Talkomatic before it was shut down, the classic version is designed for them. It provides the old experience to people by offering different features such as:
- Open source
- Original functionality
- No need to create any type of account
- Easily create and join chatrooms.
Classic Beta Version:
In case you want to try out the new features of the classic version before they’re actually released, you can try out the Classic Beta Version. You can enjoy different features in this version as well. This includes things like using features that are still under development and enjoying better room moderation.
Modern Version:
The modern version is designed to give the new feeling of the platform to users. It is the most advanced and latest version, packed with useful features. Some of them are listed below:
- Regular updates
- Set custom avatars and pictures
- Personalized themes and colors
- Responsive UI
Talkomegle:
As mentioned earlier, Talkomegle is the version that is designed to let people have video chats with each other. It is a separate new version where you get to both text and video chat with strangers. Some main features it offers are:
- Video chat with strangers
- Easy skipping option
- Compatible with different devices
Note: It isn’t moderated, so make sure to stay safe and report any inappropriate behavior.
How to use Talkomatic?
Using Talkomatic is a piece of cake. Here’s how:
- First, open an Internet browser on a mobile phone or desktop.
- Then, I searched for “Talkomatic” and clicked the site highlighted in the image below.
- Now, pick a version of the site that you want to use.
- Then, use the site’s option to enter your username and location and start chatting with people.
Note: The usage method of each version might vary a bit from each other.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, Talkomatic is an online platform where you can chat with strangers in real time. It is a free website that is the modern version of the original Talk-o-Matic. Over the years, the site has gone through some moderation. The original site was shut down, but you can use the newer version to have a similar experience. The platform offers different features that make it both fun and convenient to use. It also has different versions that provide different types of user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does Talkomatic still exist?
Talkomatic’s original version was shut down. However, it is available in a newer and more modern version. It provides a similar experience to the original site. Also, it has different versions, and each of them offers a specific type of experience.
How was Talkomatic invented before the Internet?
Talkomatic was built on a PLATO IV computer system. It was hosted on a large CDC Dual Cyber 6600. Since it was connected to a lot of terminals, people were able to chat with each other without the need for the Internet.
Who created Talkomatic?
This platform was created by Doug Brown and David R. Woolley, two students of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They created this system back in 1973.
How do I join a room in Talkomatic?
Joining a room here is easy. First, open the official website and pick the version that you want to use. You’ll see a bunch of different room options listed on the site. You can join any room from here.
