Mozilla rolls out Firefox Hello

Soon, you won't need to download and run proprietary software for online and voice chats, if a project by the makers of the Firefox browser graduates from the test labs.

 

Dubbed Firefox Hello, the new service is initially available on Firefox Beta and allows users to "chat with anyone regardless of what browser the other person is using," PC World reported.

 

"Firefox Hello is more than just a feelgood alternative to services like Microsoft’s Skype, Apple’s Facetime and Google Hangouts; it’s a way to communicate that doesn’t require the recipient to jump through any hoops. If you’ve ever tried to video chat with a far-flung relative and don’t know what software or services they use, there’s real utility in a chat option that doesn’t particularly care," it said.

 

The report said that while the service needs no special software or plugins, it will require that both browsers in the conversation support WebRTC.

 

Other browsers that natively support WebRTC include Google's Chrome and Opera.

 

Under the setup, a recipient of a call can get a callback link "and start chatting with no login or extra steps required."

 

But Firefox users get extra benefits, by getting to contact fellow Firefox users with one click "instead of having to share a callback link."

 

Mozilla is partnering with live chat platform provider TokBox for the service. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News