You can now call on Skype with Microsoft Edge without any downloads or installing a plugin, all you have to do is sign-in to Skype for Web on the Edge browser and click start.
When Microsoft announced late last year the availability of ORTC API in Microsoft Edge, this was the eventual goal. Just like WebRTC, this new Skype video calling feature on the browser means connecting to anyone using Edge instantly.
In the past if you wanted to Skype with someone, it meant both parties had to download and install the application on their device. Not having to do this removes yet another barrier for seamless communication between individuals, as well as businesses that want to use it for collaboration and make themselves more available to their customers.
Skype Video Calling Added to Microsoft Edge
Microsoft announced Edge will now support real-time, plugin-free voice, video and group video calling Skype for Web, Outlook.com, Office Online and OneDrive. The plugin free calling scenarios are as follows:
- All Skype one-to-one and group voice and video calls to and from Microsoft Edge browsers are plugin free.
- All Skype one-to-one calls from Microsoft Edge to the latest versions of Skype for Windows and Skype for Mac are plugin free.
When you log in to start a conversation, it syncs seamlessly so you can see your latest chats in your browser. If you start a session on your desktop at the office and you are now offsite on your mobile device, you can continue where you left off.
This type of connectivity brings your communication and collaboration in one place, across all your devices to improve workflow. For small businesses, this means being able to use technology that most people have (smartphones) without additional investment. Not only does it improve the company’s workflow, but it also provides yet another channel by which customers can get in touch with you.
You will need Windows 10 version 10.0.10586 and above to access Skype for Web. There are some missing features and compatibility issues. Screen sharing and calling landlines and mobile will require the installation of a plugin. And if the person you are trying to call doesn’t use the latest version of Skype client on desktop or mobile, there will be compatibility issues.
Microsoft said eventually it wants to bring in Chrome and Firefox as part of the ecosystem, so users of these browsers can also Skype enabling audio and video inter-operability. The company is waiting for both Google and Mozilla to start supporting the right video codec.
Image: Microsoft
Aira Bongco
It is nice that it is built in. But does this mean that it is just exclusive to Microsoft. Would have been neat if they have also worked with other platforms.
Michael Guta
Hi Aira,
According to Microsoft, the Skype web plugin works in the following browsers: Windows desktop: Internet Explorer 9 and higher, Firefox and Chrome.
Here is the link to more info: https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12316/what-is-the-skype-web-plugin-and-how-do-i-install-it#1
I think that no matter how many apps are released, Skype still leads in the video calling part. I think it is better visually and is more stable.
Michael Guta
Hi Ivan,
Skype is definitely one of the most user friendly apps out there. And the competition with WebRTC is making it a better product.
Skype has had a lot of technical issues since Microsoft bought them and so many recently we had to switch to Join.me to do screen sharing because it just kept hanging on Skype. It used to be the most stable, but not lately. Maybe that last update finally fixed the issues as it worked fine earlier today.
What is Microsoft Edge?
Being a Microsoft fan myself, I love that they have integrated it with Skype. Skype is a really important app for me. It is nice that I don’t need to download it anymore.
Michael Guta
Hi Mobopreneur,
This move was a natural progression for Microsoft and Skype as the browser continues to become an all around tool for communications and other applications.