Gregory Naçu continues to surprise the Commodore community with READYChat, his instant messaging system for C64OS. The latest update adds a range of READYChat plugins that extend what users can do online with their beloved 8-bit machine. This second part of his Using READYChat video series explores new features, smarter tools, and live demonstrations that make chatting on the Commodore 64 feel lively and surprisingly modern.
From the moment READYChat launches, the system connects users in real time, fetching contacts and loading previous conversations. It’s a blend of nostalgia and networked utility that few would expect from a 1980s computer. READYChat plugins take that concept further, transforming simple messaging into an interactive command-driven experience.
Finding and Messaging Other Users
Naçu starts by showing how easy it is to search for new contacts. Using commands like search and whois, users can find other READYChat participants even if they’re not yet on their contact list. The feature supports partial name matching, email lookups, and country info, all while respecting privacy options.
Once a handle is found, users can send a message directly using the message command. That first contact automatically adds the new user to the list. READYChat then sorts the list dynamically, always putting the most recent conversations at the top.
This structure keeps chatting intuitive, with live updates and subtle notification sounds when new messages arrive. Color highlights indicate unread messages, making the experience simple yet polished for a Commodore 64 environment.
READYChat Plugins in Action
The real excitement begins when Naçu explores the new READYChat plugins. These small utilities allow the Commodore 64 to fetch live data from the internet or perform quick lookups without leaving the chat window.
One example is the Currency plugin. Typing commands like currency 120 CAD USD instantly returns the conversion amount. Another, Define, pulls dictionary results for any word—complete with support for multiple definitions. The Fact plugin serves up random trivia, often amusing, occasionally questionable, but always entertaining.
Then comes Roll, a plugin for tabletop gamers. It simulates dice rolls in formats such as 2D6 or 1D20, showing each result directly in the chat feed. For a machine that once needed cartridges just to print text, this live interactivity feels astonishing.
Real-Time Data from the Web
READYChat plugins also include Stocks, which retrieves up-to-date stock market data using ticker symbols. Naçu demonstrates by comparing Apple, Microsoft, and Google’s parent company, Alphabet, using both known and ChatGPT-assisted lookups.
When he isn’t sure of a stock code, he turns to the integrated ChatGPT plugin, asking it directly within READYChat. It provides quick, text-only answers without maintaining a conversation history—perfect for short, factual queries. From finding stock symbols to listing “cool movies from the 1980s,” ChatGPT on READYChat turns the Commodore 64 into a surprisingly capable online companion.
Movies, Messages, and More
Naçu also highlights the Movie plugin, which fetches information about classic films. Typing movie info Ghostbusters instantly produces its release year, director, IMDb rating, and genre. The movie plot command adds a one-line summary that fits neatly within READYChat’s 160-character message limit.
That limitation might sound restrictive, but it’s cleverly balanced. READYChat automatically splits long plugin responses into multiple messages while preserving formatting and readability. For text-based interaction on a C64, it feels natural and fast.
Naçu even touches on the Zodiac plugin, designed to provide astrological insights. Although it wasn’t functioning during this video, he promises a future fix and another demonstration once it’s back online.
Chatting with Style on C64OS
READYChat runs on C64OS version 1.08, which is a free update for anyone with an earlier license. It requires an online setup, described in the official C64OS Networking Guide, allowing the Commodore 64 to connect to modern internet services. Once configured, READYChat brings a sense of real-time community to the classic platform.
The interface balances simplicity and utility. Each plugin command feels like a mini-application built into chat, from definitions and trivia to financial data and conversational AI. Users can multitask within their message window, swapping between chatting with friends and retrieving online information seamlessly.
Why READYChat Plugins Matter
READYChat plugins expand what it means to communicate on the Commodore 64. They merge functional tools with social connection, proving that even vintage machines can participate meaningfully in the online era. Watching Naçu demonstrate each plugin, it’s hard not to smile at the ingenuity—especially when a C64 screen becomes a bridge to ChatGPT.
For anyone curious about C64OS or READYChat, this latest update is worth exploring. Naçu’s enthusiasm and hands-on explanations make the video both educational and fun to watch.
Join the Conversation
READYChat continues to grow, and the addition of plugins makes it more than a simple messenger. It’s an experiment in bringing connected computing back to an 8-bit world. Whether sending messages, checking the weather, rolling dice, or chatting with an AI, READYChat proves that the Commodore 64 still has plenty to say.
Readers can learn more or download READYChat through the official C64OS website. And after watching the full video, they’ll likely agree: these READYChat plugins make the Commodore 64 feel surprisingly alive again.
