A couple of weeks ago we reported that the Skype for Web beta was now open to all. However at that time, the web app basically supported your usual array of browsers and platforms like Windows and Mac, but there was no mention of Chrome OS. Well the good news for Chromebook users is that support is finally here.
Skype has recently updated their blog and have mentioned that they are now support both Chromebooks and Linux platforms with their Skype for Web beta, however it seems that the support comes with a catch – the app can only be used for instant messaging so if you were planning on video calling or voice calling, you’d be out of luck.
It seems that this is because Skype for Web relies on a plugin in order to make voice and video calls possible which isn’t supported by Chrome OS or Linux at the moment, which is why only instant messaging is available for users of those platforms at the moment. However Microsoft expects that in the future and with the use of WebRTC, the need for the plugin will be removed and full functionality should arrive on all platforms in the future.
For those unfamiliar with Skype for Web, basically this is a web version of Skype for users who don’t have the app installed or who don’t want to install the app on their computers. As it stands the feature is currently in beta and is only open to those living in the US and UK, but hopefully it will roll out to more countries soon.
Filed in . Read more about Apps, Chromebook, Google, Linux, Microsoft and Skype.