Microsoft rolls out Skype for Web closed beta

Microsoft will roll out the closed beta of Skype for Web on Friday. Thanks to the service, users no longer need plug-ins to use Skype via their browser. The beta is only available for Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari.

The service functions via the Skype website, writes The Verge. Microsoft uses the webrtc APIs, which allow audio calls, video chats, and regular chats through standard browsers. As a result, no external plug-ins are required anymore. Skype for Web is only available for Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari during the beta. It is unclear whether this will change in the future.

The Skype for Web beta will initially only be accessible to a limited number of people. The size of the test is unknown, but it is clear that both new and existing users will be able to access the beta. The service will be rolled out to the general public in the coming months.

Update, Monday: Skype for Web appears to need a plug-in for the time being. That would be necessary until the WebRTC version is available.