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Microsoft Rolls Out New Skype for Web; Does Not Support Firefox, Safari, and Opera (venturebeat.com)

Posted by msmash on from the how-about-that dept.

Microsoft this week revamped Skype's browser-based client with a slew of new features. From a report: The Seattle company this week announced the rollout of a major Skype for Web update, which introduces high-definition video calling, a redesigned notifications panels, a revamped media gallery, and more. It's available on any PC running Windows 10 and Mac OS X 10.12 or higher with the latest versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. The bulk of the new capabilities debuted in preview last October, but they're available widely starting this week. Skype for Web does not support Safari, Firefox, and Opera browsers, Microsoft has confirmed.

4 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. The Chrome Overlord by markdavis · · Score: 5, Interesting

    So much for open web standards, privacy, and freedom of choice and platform. The march back to the days of IE are progressing so well. I am sure Google is very pleased, indeed.

    I don't know about you, but I will continue to fight it. If a site doesn't at least work on Firefox, it is BROKEN.

    1. Re:The Chrome Overlord by AmiMoJo · · Score: 3, Interesting

      It doesn't even support Windows 8.1 or below fully.

      Apparently it doesn't support other browsers because it needs a plug-in that uses the Chrome/Edge architecture. They didn't make one for Firefox.

      So actually it's useless for me too, because even though I use Chrome I'm not installing their plug-in.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  2. What does skype do that webTRC doesn't? by goombah99 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I stopped using skype since webRTC became built into browsers. no apps to install, works reliably. Works on more devices than skype.

    The best part is that when you have an ad hoc group of people who suddenly need to chat you don't have any dely with people installing an application then coaxing it to work, signing up for a microsoft account etc... Installing all the other spy ware microsoft forces you to install with it.

    And while not every webRTC provider is equally good, and bug free, there are some very good ones, and that's all you need. I like appear.in

    The downer for me is that my employer blocks webRTC ports forcing the use of skype. ugg.

    --
    Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
  3. Re:How to kill your own product... by postbigbang · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Your understanding of FOSS is typical, and it's pretty myopic. This context doesn't allow you to understand that there are motives in FOSS beyond pecuniary interest. It's not a business model. If you can wrap your head around that fact, and get it out of your wallet, you can get closer to the actual context.

    What's-in-it-for-me is a natural desire. How-can-I-help is a more evolved thought process. You can make money both ways.

    --
    ---- Teach Peace. It's Cheaper Than War.