Chrome to get voice chat

Internet protocol (VOIP) application that runs within the Chrome Web browser interface, TechWorld reports.

Chrome's Dev Channel version now has WebRTC, a technology Google acquired in 2010 and open sourced last year that uses JavaScript application programming interfaces and HTML 5 to give the browser real-time communications.

According to PC World, Google software engineer, Niklas Enbom says: "Building voice and video capabilities into the browser makes it easier for Web developers to incorporate real-time communications in their apps.

“Instead of relying on custom, OS-specific proprietary plug-ins, they can now easily build and maintain their apps using a few simple JavaScript APIs and have the browser do the heavy lifting."

WebRTC, which is also being supported by browser makers Mozilla and Opera, is being considered for standard status. VOIP companies like Polycom, Vonage, Vehix.com, Siemens and PCCW are also developing browser-based applications using the technology.

Slash Gear says this could mean apps like Google Talk - which is being migrated over to use WebRTC - could challenge rivals like Skype from any standards-compliant browser, rather than demanding a separate app be installed.

That would have a significant impact on mobile devices and Web appliances like Chromebooks, which could get onboard with audio and video communication without waiting on developers to release native apps.