Microsoft has opened up Skype for Web to more users, pulling it out of the closed beta and making it available to all current Skype users based in the United States or the United Kingdom. The widening of beta access follows after another web-based Skype change, namely a redesign of how Skype for Outlook.com appears and works for users of the browser-based webmail client.
US and UK users can access Skype for Web by either launching it via the link on the Skype homepage, or by going to web.skype.com. Running in the browser, the service does not need the Skype app to be installed on the computer, allowing it to be used on public computers though it may request the installation of a plug-in, with existing Skype contacts and conversations loading up when the user logs in. Notifications for messages and calls can appear in the browser, if they are enabled at the time of sign-in, with voice, video calls, and instant messaging all available.
Microsoft claims Skype for Web is going to continue to roll out globally over the next few weeks.
On Outlook.com, the Skype sidebar can be brought up by clicking the Skype icon, bringing up a list of conversations and online contacts. As with Skype for Web, conversations and group chats can be continued through the browser, with messages synchronizing across all devices, and video or audio calls will also work after a browser plug-in installation.
Though it will be at a slower pace compared to the Skype-only service, the update to Skype in Outlook.com will be available to all Outlook.com users “in the coming months.”
