Skype users will now be able to use the famous video-chatting application as an in-browser version. The idea behind this browser-based version is to provide users with slow-internet connections a viable alternative.
Not needing to download Skype onto desktops or laptops may be exceptional news for communication-lovers everywhere, especially since conferencing, IM-ing and even video calling will now be available in browsers such as Internet Explorer (or above), Chrome, Firefox or Safari 6 (and higher).
Additionally, you will no longer be required to allocate hard drive space in order to run the application when directly accessing it via the web.
Whether you’re at an internet café with no Skype app installed or visiting your parents in Alaska, you should be able to enjoy all of Skype’s features. All you need is to install Skype’s browser plugin and ensure that you are working with a supported operating system and web browser.
Chromebook users, for instance, will only be able to text because of the fact that Chrome OS doesn’t allow the installation of the required plugin.
Microsoft had announced its intention of developing a web client last year. Despite the fact that this browser-based version has certain limitations, Microsoft explained that it plans on producing a version that is WebRTC-compatible and that won’t require a plugin in the future.
If you use both web-based Skype and the smartphone app, conversations and contacts are automatically synchronized between the two. Additionally, Skype Web provides a timeline view of the two categories.
”Skype for Web introduces a timeline view – a single, searchable list that makes it easier to start new conversations and find existing ones.”
Multitasking is also possible with Skype’s new web-based version, as pop-up notifications will ensure that you’re kept abreast with all important conversations while also getting your work done.
The only downside, however, is that Skype’s web-based version doesn’t allow users to sort and manage their contacts as they would via the downloadable app.
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