I also noticed it's quite a bit more exotic looking than the last time I was on a shoutbox chat room. It's got options for images if you want to post and audio too which is cool.
Check chat now
I have no sounds when a new person comes into chat. That's a bit annoying.
Chat is not for every one granted. It can be fun and a fast way to get some help and advise.It's also just a nice way to keep in touch without clogging up GTA with nonsense since We tend to fill the &^^& bucket in chat. LOL