Why Microsoft Edge Can Run Web-Based Skype Calls But Not Landline, Mobile Phone Calls

(Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan ) Microsoft has introduced Skype calls to its new browser, the Microsoft Edge.

It's good that Microsoft is investing a lot of time and effort in its new Web browser, the Microsoft Edge. The Internet Explorer successor now has a literal edge over its rivals Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. 

Just this Friday, Microsoft finally rolled out its new Skype for Web feature —the one that the Redmond-headquartered tech giant announced six months earlier, as per PC World. 

This feature is quite interesting because it allows users to conduct Skype calls directly from the Microsoft Edge browser with the help of the WebRTC standard but without the need of a plug-in.

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are also WebRTC-enabled, but they can't run the new Skype for Web feature because they have yet to officially receive support for the H.264 video codec.

Interestingly, on Windows' Microsoft developers blog, Microsoft has revealed that it will not take that long before the other two browsers would be capable of running plug-in-free Skype voice and video calls. Chrome is already testing the codec, while Firefox has already shipped support for it.

Meanwhile, though Skype for Web already allows users to call and do real-time voice and video chats via Skype.com, OneDrive, Outlook.com and Office Online, the feature still has a long way to go.

The main goal of Microsoft's new feature is to finally free Skype from the bonds of plug-ins or additional software, and it has yet to fully realize this. For one, users still need plug-ins to do landline or mobile phone calls and screen sharing, among others. 

Despite its limitations, TechCrunch believes the new feature will help Microsoft Edge attract more users simply because it is very practical for people who do not have a Skype account but want to join a chat session without the need of having to install the software.  

The new Skype for Web feature is available in the Edge browser. It also works in Skype for Windows and Skype for Mac, but these two only support one-on-one calls thus far, according to Redmond Magazine.

Source: Why Microsoft Edge Can Run Web-Based Skype Calls But Not Landline, Mobile Phone Calls