In a blog post on Thursday Skype, a Microsoft owned company, introduced an easier way to start Skype chats with your friends and family around the world. Users who are on Windows, Mac, or the web can start a video chat and invite anyone with a link. The link can be shared anywhere from Facebook Messenger to in an email, and the user opening the link won’t need an account or Skype install on their device.
The company said its goal is “to break down communication barriers, making it easier for everyone to come together on Skype.” The goal hasn’t changed since the start, however having a Skype account and having Skype installed on a phone or laptop has become a huge barrier for many. The video chat market has blown up over the past few years with Google Hangouts, Facetime, and even Snapchat all making it easier to communicate.
The feature isn’t a new idea. Google Drive has let users share documents to anyone with a link along with edit and comment on a document live. Being able to start new video chats together is great for users who may want to chat with a friend, but doesn’t always want to have Skype installed or a even have a Skype account. Now planning a video chat doesn’t require downloading apps or signing up for extra accounts when you may only use the app once or twice.
Tell us in the comments below what you think about Skype making it easier to start to chat with friends and family!