Microsoft has announced a boost for its browser-based Skype for Web platform, bringing it in line with the mobile and desktop versions.
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To access Skype for Web, users can go to Skype.com or web.skype.com and sign in and connect.
As ever, the company promises that more features are on the way “in the coming weeks and months”, but for now, you can try out the latest improvements to Skype for Web here.
First up, you can now call mobile phones and landlines directly from Skype for Web. For more information on worldwide calling rates, head over to this page.
But Skype is also taking advantage of its web format by providing previews of linked content. For example, YouTube videos are embedded into the stream any time a YouTube link is shared. Add people by pressing +New and “Share Conversation”. The official release explains; “We’ve added notifications to Skype for Web, so that you’ll never miss an important IM, call or a friend sending you a picture of their new kitten”.
Similarly, the new system of notifications to alert users about calls or messages, shows the company’s intent to focus on the integration of functions that eliminate inconvenience for users. Once you’ve signed in to Skype for Web, simply click on the call phones tab, select your destination, dial the number you’d like to call and then hit the call button. Anyone who gets the link will be able to join your chat, and they don’t need even need to have a Skype account to join the fun. The embeds also extend to articles, with Skype for Web pulling in an image from the linked webpage.
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While Skype for web is still labeled as a “beta”, we’re still happy to see that the Skype team keeps improving its web app, and that may well help Skype to stay one of the most ubiquitous messaging apps.
