Microsoft Edge starts to support Skype without plugin

Microsoft announces the arrival of a new function, initially used with the Edge browser, which will make it even easier access to Skype services. The reference is to the ability to make video calls one-to-one and group, as well as Skype voice calls without the need to install any plugin, via Skype for Web, Outlook.com, Office Online and OneDrive.

The result was achieved by using the average engine ORTC, recently integrated in the native browser on Windows 10. The operating system step forward compared to the previous system is rather obvious: access to Skype services will be even more simple, requiring no download any client, nor the installation of a specific plugin. It will be sufficient to log in with the data of your account and begin to make a Skype call.

The features described above can be proven previews from visiting Skype for Web via Microsoft Edge (version edgehtml 13.10586 or higher) on Windows 10 platform version 1511. Specifically: all voice calls and video calls one-to-one and group to and from Microsoft Edge plugins are free; all one-to-one calls from Microsoft Edge to the latest version of Skype for Windows and Skype for Mac are plug-in free. The only trick to the recipients of the call will be upgrading to the latest version of the Skype client or access through Skype for Web.

The mentioned innovations is to be seen in the project wider with which Microsoft aims to release the plugins and downloads everything from the ability to access Skype, not only using Microsoft Edge.

It 'the first step towards an experience of Skype and Skype for interoperable and standardized business, so that Skype users on any platform to communicate without the need for plugins or downloads ...

... It is the first step to meet the commitment we made to support WebRTC in Skype and Skype for Business. But we want to make the calls available without interruption for all, not only for users who use Microsoft Edge. To achieve this we will continue to work to enable the video and audio interoperability with Chrome and Firefox once both will support the H.264 video codec

At the time, to access Skype without plugin / download links you need to use the Edge with some information to consider. First, some features such as screen sharing and the call to landlines and cell phones still require the installation of the plugin. Downloading the plug-in is required even if the recipient of the call does not use the latest version of the Skype client on desktop and mobile.