Eight Firefox extensions for the Twitter fanatic

Since Twitter has become such an important part of the social-networking world, it only makes sense that developers would create a variety of browser extensions that give you access to the microblogging service's features.

If you don't like extensions, or you want to be more social with your browser, downloading the Flock browser could naturally be your answer. Built on Firefox, Flock provides a variety of cool social features while also supporting most Firefox extensions. But for those sticking with the Mozilla browser, the Twitter-based extensions in this roundup are impressive.

Twitter extensions

InstantTweets InstantTweets lets you quickly update your status, add images, or share links by entering tweets into your Firefox address bar. You can also click on pictures, and you have the option of automatically updating your status with that image. I had some trouble with that feature. Sometimes it worked, and other times it didn't, so beware. InstantTweets is a neat app, but it's not perfect.

Power Twitter Power Twitter adds some neat features to your Twitter page. After installing it, you'll find a photo-uploading option, a tab to help you shorten a link, and more. I found it that worked really well and made it quite easy to perform basic Twitter functions. It's a great extension.

Twitbin Twitbin is installed in your Firefox sidebar. Once there, the extension enables you to send and receive messages. It works well, and I've found that it provides an easy way to monitor my conversations with others. It's worth having.

TwitKit TwitKit also sits in the Firefox sidebar. The extension uses tabs to separate your Twitter profile's stream, replies, archive, and a list of your followers. It makes it a little easier to make your way around Twitter. And with the help of some neat color schemes, you might like it more than the real thing.

Twitter Search The Twitter Search Firefox extension is a simple add-on, but it works really well. When you download, it, it adds a Twitter Search option to your Firefox search box. You can then search Twitter for any term and see the results in the Twitter Search page. I found it to be a convenient tool for finding hot memes on the site.

TwitterBar TwitterBar transforms Firefox's address bar, allowing you to post Twitter updates without going to the site. Once installed, a small icon is placed at the right of your address bar. You can then write out a tweet and click the TwitterBar icon. It will then post that update to your Twitter stream. It's a convenient tool to have when you don't want to open another tab.

TwitterFox TwitterFox is a neat extension that lets you know when your Twitter followers update their status. It sits in the Firefox status bar, notifying you of updates. It also allows you to update your own stream from that status bar without going to the Twitter home page. It's a nice app, but beware that if you're like me, and you follow everyone who follows you, it will get annoying, since it will be constantly notifying you.

TwittyTunes If you really want to annoy your followers, install TwittyTunes. In order for the extension to work, you'll also need to install FoxyTunes, a Firefox extension that lets you listen to music. While using FoxyTunes, TwittyTunes will automatically populate your status bar with what you're listening to. Simply send that tweet to your stream, and all your followers will know you're listening to that song. It can be a real annoyance, so please use it sparingly.

My top 3

1. TwitterFox: TwitterFox is a great app that lets you experience Twitter in a nice interface.

2. TwitKit: TwitKit is convenient, and works really well.

3. TwitterBar: I actually like updating my status in an address bar. You will, too.