Microsoft Windows 10: Skype calls to be plugin-free on Edge browser

Microsoft will soon allow Skype users to make and receive calls via its brand new Edge web browser without having to instal plug-ins. The feature will be applicable on Skype for Web and Skype for Outlook services.

The Redmond-based company would synchronise both audio and video Skype calls via Edge and plans to launch the feature by late 2015. This is a result of Microsoft's new ORTC APIs that have been developed to help users initiate real-time audio/video calls via the Edge web browser.

At present, the latest update for Skype on Edge, can be experienced by Windows Insiders, who have the latest Windows 10 Insider release installed on their systems. The current Windows Insider build numbering 10547 comes with ORTC API support for Edge.

Moreover, the tech giant recently released the Skype beta app, which is applicable for users of Windows 10 Mobile preview builds. The app brings along the following key features:

• Audio calling
• Video calling
• Conversation history between Skype messaging and SMS integrated
• Conversation history between Skype calls and phone calls integrated
• Messaging
• Emoticons
• Microsoft Account (MSA) sign-in supported

Skype beta is available for download on the Windows Store. Users can provide a feedback or report issues they face in the preview release directly to Microsoft.