Skype for Web expanded while Chromebook and Linux users get IM capabilities

After recent changes to the Skype interface on Outlook.com we now see the web based Skype beta expanding worldwide.Even Chromebook and Linux users are now getting instant messaging support from Skype.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

June 16, 2015

1 Min Read
Skype for Web expanded while Chromebook and Linux users get IM capabilities

If you sometimes need to access your Skype conversations over the web then there is some good news for you today from Microsoft as they expand the Skype for Web (Beta) worldwide to almost 30 languages.

Gaining access to your Skype chats over the web just requires a visit to web.skype.com to get started.

"Skype for Web is an important step for Skype as we move towards implementing the technology to make Real-Time Communications (RTC) on the web a reality. But just as importantly, we’re doing it because the hundreds of millions of people that visit Skype.com every month told us they want to call and IM when they visit our website. We know how critical it is for you to get to your conversations – and Skype for Web helps you get connected anytime."

Some of the features that have been integrated into Skype for Web in this beta:

  • Conversations sync seamlessly - contacts and conversations no matter what other platforms you use Skype on.

  • Easy searching - now search in a timeline view for past conversations or begin new ones.

  • Supports all conversation types - video, audio and instant messaging are supported via the web (IE, Firefox and Chrome - a plugin is required).

  • Notifications - get alerts right in your browser of instant messages and voice or video calls.

The worldwide roll out will take a few weeks to complete.

As for the Linux and Chromebook support - those platforms can participate in instant messaging sessions but audio and video calls are not supported via the web.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author

Richard Hay

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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