Microsoft, the world's second-most valuable company after Apple, is taking a fresh approach to connect users in a new way through Skype. In an official blog post on Friday, the software giant announced Skype for Web to help users communicate better without any hassles. With the new change, users can directly connect with friends and family using Skype video and voice calling service without going through the long due process of installing the app.
Skype for Web is currently being tested by Microsoft as it is rolled out to a small number of users. Once successfully tested, a bug-free version without any glitches will be released to its users worldwide. The web-based Skype for calling comes as a relief to its 300 million customers, who are currently using Skype through mobile and PC apps.
"Skype for Web makes it quicker and easier than ever before to connect with friends, family and colleagues around the world, for free – directly from Skype.com," Jonathan Watson, Skype product marketing manager for Microsoft, wrote in the company's blog post.
According to Microsoft, Skype for Web currently requires a small plug-in but the company has assured that enabling Real-time Communications (RTC) on the web will make it simply a click-and-go service. The software giant is already working on web RTC for its flagship Internet Explorer browser.
"In the future, using Skype on the web will become even easier and convenient," Watson continued. "With web RTC, there won't be any downloads or installs – you can just get straight to your conversation."
In order to get started, go to Skype.com and sign in with the registered email ID and password. All contacts and the latest conversation history will be available just like in the apps. Microsoft is currently adding its test users through an invitation.
Skype for Web is compatible on Windows computers through Internet Explorer 10 or above and the latest versions of Firefox and Google Chrome. Apple Mac users can also take advantage of the new beta service using Safari browser version 6 and above.
