Skype has finally added the one feature that makes Google Hangouts so much easier to use: shareable chat links. “We’ve started to roll-out the ability for users to invite anyone to join a Skype chat by sharing a unique link – send it however you want, in an email, on Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger or Twitter”, says The Skype team. Universal Skype apps hit the Windows Store, while a new Windows 10 preview offered a peak into Skype’s integration within the all-encompassing Messaging app. The only drawback is that links are only available in the USA and in the United Kingdom, for now.
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Better still, this unique link will even allow people who are not on Skype-or not using their own device-join the conversation as a guest using Skype for Web. Removing the need for the account sign-up process or app download means just about anyone should be able to start a video or voice call (or plain old IM conversation) when they might’ve otherwise been deterred.
In the case of those without Skype accounts, they’ll be able to sign in to a chat as a guest by typing in their name then clicking “Join”. That said, while the link initially takes you to Skype for Web, if you have Skype installed, the dedicated app will open on your computer or mobile device.
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It is estimated that more than 300 million people use Skype, making it the 8th largest social network in the world, according to research firm Statista. The only restriction is that mobile users need to have the Skype application downloaded to get in on the conversation.
