Skype for Web is getting beefed up with a slew of new features, particularly the function to call mobile phones and landlines.
The developers outlined the major update in a blog post just recently, highlighting four added capabilities to the browser-based version's box of tricks.
Straight off the bat, the ability to call mobile phones and landlines is clearly the most notable feature out of the bunch. To make a call, it more or less works the same way as in the smartphone and desktop apps, so it won't take long to get used to it. Just click on the Call Phones tab, pick a destination, dial the number and click the call button.
Of course, international calling isn't free, but the team did mention that the rates are low. That means a huge credit is not necessary.
Next in line is the support to play YouTube videos directly on Skype for Web. It offers all the same controls on the YouTube website as well, from the volume bar and mute button to the full-screen option and quality settings. What's more, it now includes an image from any URL that a user sends.
A feature that recently rolled out to the desktop version, users can now add new participants in a conversation easily on Skype for Web as well. Just click on New and "Share conversation" to generate a unique URL. Anyone who clicks on the link will be able to join the conversation as a guest, even if they aren't a Skype contact or user.
Lastly, Skype for Web now has notification support, allowing every user to stay on top of their conversations even if they're on another browsing tab or app.
"We're really excited to bring you all these new features and developing Skype for Web to be a fantastic Skype experience. Please do keep the feedback coming and look out for more new features in the coming weeks and months; there's lots more to come," the Skype team says.
That statement suggests that the people behind Skype are going full blast, leaving little or no feature gaps across platforms.
For those who don't know, Skype for Web premiered last year, and Microsoft has been expanding the messaging app's range of supported operating systems, including Linux and Chrome OS.
Sure, it's the most convenient way to get in touch with other users without downloading the desktop app's installer, but it didn't have enough features for a full Skype experience. The mobile variant even got it beat in this department, until today, that is.
