Skype launches browser-based app

Soon, people using Microsoft's Skype video conferencing platform need not download software for online chats, with the rollout of Skype for Web.

Currently in beta, the web version of Skype on Skype.com promises to run on modern browsers, Skype's Jonathan Watson said in a blog post.

"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," Watson said.

"You can use Skype for Web without having to download an app before you get started, which means anyone new to Skype can get chatting even faster. Simply sign in to Skype for Web on Skype.com and you’ll be able to connect and start instant messaging directly from your browser," he added.

He said Skype for Web may be accessed not just from Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but also from Chrome on Windows, Firefox or Safari.

Those who sign in at Skype.com can access their contacts and latest conversation history from there.

"Once you’ve signed in on Skype.com, you can start instant messaging friends straight away. Making great quality voice or video calls is just as easy; simply press the call button to connect," he said.

For now, he said Skype for Web will be available to a few existing and new users, then roll out worldwide in the coming months.

On the other hand, he said users may need to install a small plugin to start a conversation.

Watson noted Skype has expanded from computers to mobile phones, TVs and even game consoles, and had logged more than two billion daily minutes or over 33 million hours of voice and video calls.

Known issues

The beta has some known issues, including:

- it works on Internet Explorer 10 and above and the latest versions of Chrome and Firefox for Windows. For Mac OS X, it works on Safari 6 and above.
- there is an issue with battery consumption when running Skype for Web on a Mac.
- outgoing Skype calls can take longer than normal to ring.

An article on tech site The Verge said Skype for Web could further expand Skype's reach, with WebRTC allowing devices like Google's Chromebooks to access Skype.  — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News