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Google WebRTC: Can It Replace Skype?

Posted by Roblimo on from the the-battle-of-the-computer-industry-giants-heats-up dept.

mikejuk writes "Google WebRTC, all open source, is part of the web revolution that allows one browser to talk directly to another without the need for a server getting involved. WebRTC is an API that used the new P2P web API to allow developers to implement audio and video communications using direct P2P links between browsers. This really is a game changer." And, while this feature doesn't seem to have gotten a lot of attention so far, Google Voice can call landline and cell phones for a small fee, just like Skype.

3 of 199 comments (clear)

  1. Yo Dawg, by clarkn0va · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I heard you like an OS in your OS, so I put an app in your app so you can experience the reinvention of every app while you surf the web.

    I'm not sure I like this trend of taking every piece of software functionality, making it work inside a browser, and then treating it like it's something new. I feel like I'm back in the 90s, where every new song on the radio was some old song sung by a new person.

    --
    I am literally 3000 tokens away from the chaotic crossbow --Stephen
  2. Re:"between browsers"? by wed128 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    how about this; whenever you read browser, mentally substitute 'http html5 and javascript interpreter'

    that should clear up your issue.

  3. Google will only let you call out in the US by m50d · · Score: 3, Insightful

    And since the big reason for using skype is to stay in touch internationally, that's a much bigger barrier than you might think.

    --
    I am trolling