Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) announced that, by the end of the month, Skype will be able to be used on a new plugin-free version, for internet users on Microsoft Edge browser. Downloads or plugins will not be necessary to install, and Skype users will have access to real-time voice, video, and group, calling through Skype website.
In October of 2014, Microsoft said they wanted to let people make browser-based calls in a more convenient way by removing the need to download a plugin, which made the company begin collaboration with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to improve standards towards that goal. But it was not until now that the company finally started doing this.
Using the Microsoft Edge browser, people can go to Skype.com, Outlook.com, Office Online, and OneDrive to make and receive Skype calls and video chats, but those who prefer other browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and even Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer, will have to deal with plugins as usual.
The plugins will still be needed to hold group calls involving Skype web and desktop users, and for other functionalities such as landline calls and screen sharing. Also, non-web users would also have to download the newest edition of Skype, if not, the participant will be asked to install a plug-in.
Microsoft has said that Skype communications will successfully work during one-to-one calling and during group calls when taking place between Edge browsers and certain Skype clients, like Skype for Windows and Skype for Mac, which means that the ability to make and receive calls without plug-ins can only be pulled off if both users are using Microsoft Edge.
The plug-in communications will be enabled only on Edge with Windows 10 versions 10.0.10586 and higher.
Microsoft says that, eventually, they will try to enable this feature across all browsers, because they want to provide flawless calling benefit to everyone and not only people that can use Microsoft Edge. To achieve this, the company, first, will constantly work towards allowing audio and video interoperability on Chrome and Firefox browsers, subsequent to both the browsers supporting the H.264 video codec.
Microsoft explains that the launch was the first move on the path to achieving its aim to support WebRTC in Skype and Skype for Business.
“Plugin-free calling in Edge is the first step towards an interoperable, standards-based calling experience in Skype and Skype for Business, so that Skype users on any modern platform can communicate without the need for plugins or downloads,” Microsoft Edge Program Manager Kyle Pflug said.
The implementation of this feature has been labeled as a preview, or beta, which means that people need to be aware that there might be a few issues in the process.
Source: NH Voice