Then Skype CEO Tony Bates speaks about Microsoft and Skype. (Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan)
Skype for Web in Microsoft Edge browser is not plugin-free, Microsoft announced on April 15, Friday. Being plugin-free is solely for the Edge browser for now, as other browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer still continue to require plugins.
Microsoft is bringing Skype virtually on every screen, in Mac and Windows computers, as well as on Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, Android and game console Xbox. Microsoft wants Skype to work for people, regardless of what device they are using.
Installing browser plugins could slow down the experience of using Skype, but when using Edge, people can just click a link and start the chat, TechCrunch has learned. The new functionality is in the browser-based Skype for Web that rolled out in 2015 and are other online properties that support the online communications software, such as, Office Online, OneDrive and Outlook.com. If they run on Microsoft Edge, plugin-free voice, video and group calling are already supported real-time.
Skype will feel more like part of the service that is already being used, and not as a standalone product, which likewise helps the app acquire more users. The firm has been working lately on ways to let anyone join chats in it, even those who have no account. Hence, it is an easy way to invite people to the chat.
The Microsoft Edge browser is one of the new features introduced by Windows 10, designed as a modern replacement of the IE browser. It focuses on new features, such as, a distraction-free reading mode, the ability to directly write on web pages and the integration of digital assistant Cortana.
This update also applies to the latest Skype versions for Mac and Windows 10 version 10.0.10586 and later. Microsoft said the plugin-free voice and video calling experience will be brought to other browsers as well.
The plugin-free experience does not cover everything of the scenarios for the meantime, such as calling mobile phones and landlines, as well as, Screen Sharing. A plugin will be needed if the recipient's Skype version is not the most recent, Skype posted on its official blog.
The next video has Microsoft's sneak peek of the plugin-free Skype calls on the Edge browser.
