Skype Now Built-In to Windows 8.1 as WebRTC Gains Ground
Skype is now fully integrated into Windows 8.1, eliminating the need for separate installation. Meanwhile, tech giants like Google and Microsoft are exploring the potential of WebRTC, a real-time communication technology that's gaining traction in browsers and mobile devices.
WebRTC, standing for 'Web Real Time Communication', enables voice and video calling directly via the browser, without additional software. It's supported in Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browsers, as well as Android devices using these browsers. Google plans to switch its VoIP and video calling feature, Hangouts, to WebRTC, though the timeline is yet to be announced.
Critics suggest Microsoft's initial hesitation in fully supporting WebRTC in its Teams platform is due to WebRTC's competition with its acquired platform, Skype. Microsoft has preferred its own SlimCore architecture, using WebRTC mainly in fallback scenarios or on devices without SlimCore support.
WebRTC also allows peer-to-peer exchange of all types of files, not just audio and video content. However, Microsoft Internet Explorer, including version 11, does not support WebRTC. Among browsers, only Firefox currently supports displaying mathematical functions on the web using MathML.
Skype's integration into Windows 8.1 simplifies user experience. As for WebRTC, its potential for real-time communication is undeniable, with Google and Microsoft exploring its capabilities. Despite initial hesitations, Microsoft's support for WebRTC in Teams is growing, though it's not yet as comprehensive as in other browsers.
