Microsoft last week introduced a new Web-based Skype for Linux client in alpha.
Based on WebRTC, it uses Microsoft's next-generation calling architecture. It lets users share files, photos, videos and new emoticons.
Users will be able to call others using the latest versions of Skype on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. However, they won't be able to make or receive calls using earlier versions of Skype for Linux.
Microsoft also introduced an alpha version of Skype based on WebRTC for users of Chromebooks or the Chrome browser on Linux; it will deliver Skype video calling, as well as the ability to call landlines and mobile phones.
Alpha Shortcomings
The Skype for Linux alpha does not have all the features that will be released into the final version.
It has been tested with the following Linux distros:
Fedora 23The Skype for Linux alpha also has been tested with different desktop environments: Gnome, Unity, Mate, Cinnamon and KDE. However, there are differences among the environments.
Ubuntu Gnome 16.04
Ubuntu 16.04
OpenSuse KDE 13.2
Debian 8.5
OpenSuse Leap 42.1 KDE
It can be installed globally but supports only the English language.
The Jury Is Out
Many Linux users have voiced comments critical of Microsoft's effort.
"Literally just a worse, closed source version of the free and open source Ghetto Skype!" wrote pm 79080 in comments following the official announcement.
"So basically you put Skype into a Web renderer and release it like an application. Just like Ghetto Skype but coming officially from Microsoft as it was the great answer to Linux users' prayers. You really have to be kidding," observed sad_linux_user.
"The only thing you've done here of value is make it native to 64 bit," wrote Wellknownj. "The interface is clumsy at best. Options aren't available. Please -- why did you bother? Worse -- why profess this is something to be excited about?"
On the other hand, "Awesome!" wrote scr1m3. "Been wishing for an improved Linux client for ages now."
"It seems to work, at least with the Skype Echo/Sound Test Service," wrote Rocketraman, who said he had "just installed the new version on Fedora23."
Although the simpler UI of past versions was preferable, "I am happy that interop with newer Windows and Mac versions is being worked on for Linux. Keep up the good work!" he added.
"Cool, I'll try it out on my Fedora machine. Nice to see Linux get some love. Some will hate it, but they can just not install it lol," wrote Martinoj.
Above Board but Not Open
"Microsoft isn't hiding from this community or misrepresenting its intent here," noted Al Hilwa, a research program director at IDC. The alpha "is a significant improvement in Microsoft's stance towards this small ... but influential and critical community."
Moving toward a unified Web architecture for the Skype client is good, he told LinuxInsider, but "the question is, when is this all going to come together?"
One strike against the alpha is that it's not open source.
"Hardcore Linux developers and free software ideologues are unlikely to use this or any other version of Skype that remains closed source," noted Bill Weinberg, senior director of open source strategy at The Linux Foundation.
Still, "I'm not sure that making code open for a SaaS offering really impacts its adoption," he told LinuxInsider. "Amazon, Google, Salesforce and also Microsoft Azure enjoy broad adoption without opening their cloud implementations."
The alpha's inability to talk to older Skype clients will limit interest in it initially, IDC's Hilwa pointed out.
Overall, though, Web-based Skype "will make a real difference for Linux users who work in mixed environments," said Weinberg, "where their company and colleagues make standard use of Skype on Windows and Macs." 
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