Microsoft has unveiled a beta version of Skype, Skype for Web, through which users will be able to make audio and video calls through their browsers. Getting started is as simple as going to the Skype website and logging in, where all your contacts and recent chat history will be available.
We should mention that Skype Web won’t be available for everyone right away. The service is in beta at the moment and the roll-outs will be conducted in stages over the coming months. Keep an eye out for your invite when you sign into your account on the official website.
Jonathan Watson, Skype’s product marketing manager, said, “It’s perfect if you prefer using the web rather than an app. Perhaps you’re sitting at a computer that doesn’t already have Skype downloaded. Or maybe you’re on the go and using an internet café or hotel computer whilst on vacation where you can’t download Skype at all. Using Skype for Web makes it more convenient to get to your conversations.”
Chatting with contacts through Skype for Web requires nothing else but for audio and video calls, you will need to download a small plug-in. The people behind Skype and Internet Explorer are already working on Web RTC (Real Time Communication), a standard which will finally allow for Skype to work across all platforms regardless of whether users have the native app or are using a browser. Until the WebRTC version gets enabled though, you’ll need that plug-in.
You can use Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10 or Safari 6 to get started with Skype for Web in your browser. Skype for chromebooks isn’t available yet.
