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Microsoft released a significantly improved version of Skype for Web last Thursday. But the new version didn’t work in a number of browsers. The company now lets us know that this was a conscious choice. The technique does not work in Apples Safari, Mozillas Firefox or Opera.

Microsoft will inform the VentureBeat site of this. The updated version of Skype for Web only works on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, as well as on Chromium based browsers like Vivaldi. In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson states that Skype for Web requires a different implementation for each browser. For that reason, it was decided to give priority to Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

Not supported

Although some users may not be happy with the choice, it was already coming. Last month, Microsoft warned Firefox, Safari and Opera users that Skype for Web would no longer support their browsers. Microsoft then stated that they should switch to Edge or Chrome. It was not yet known when the change would take effect.

Microsoft has not indicated which technology prevents Skype for Web from supporting other browsers. It probably has to do with WebRTC, an open source technology that enables real-time communication via browsers. Skype for Web uses this technique. Incidentally, similar apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger do not support audio and video calls in every browser for the same reason.

New features

The new version of the Skype for Web is full of new features. Perhaps most importantly, the service will now be able to handle HD video, both in private conversations and in group chats. It is also possible to record these conversations and the search function has been greatly improved. It is also easier to view media sent within a call. Finally, Skype for Web has a new notification centre.

This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.