Chat - Steemit chat is an API that has been integrated into the steemit platform (you can access it from the top right menu) but it is not as good as native chat could be as you need to register, keep a separate browser tab open etc. It does inbox you though.

Follow - you can use this 3rd party app to view your recent follows while you wait for a native module to be developed - https://steemdb.com

I hope that these help you and others.

Good post.