BuddyFox is a simple add-on for Firefox that will allow you to have instant messaging conversations with your friends, without ever leaving your browser.
Obviously to use the service you'll have to sign up with a username and password. It's not going to be much fun unless your friends are on it too though, so you'll have to convince them all to use Firefox and install BuddyFox too.
The chat window - and chats - are very simple. There are three statuses, Online, Away and Appear Offline, but beyond that your only configuration options are what color your username is and the ability to create groups. BuddyFox also allows you integrate your Skype account, so you can call contacts from within the messenger.
Anybody who uses a messenger client on a regular basis will find BuddyFox very limited. Even though separating the IM client from the desktop gives you more flexibility, the compromise you make in terms of functionality seems to be a step too far.
BuddyFox is a minimalist messenger client for Firefox, but some will think it's too pared down.
