Technology

How does “Firefox Hello” work?

Firefox was the world’s leading browser at one point, until Google released Chrome and pushed Firefox down from its leadership position. Since then, the browser has struggled to compete with Internet Explorer, Safari, and Chrome; each comes pre-installed on Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks, respectively. Since Firefox can’t count on being the default browser, it has to compete on features and Firefox Hello could help the browser get back on top.

Hello is Firefox’s implementation of WebRTC that introduces voice and video chat to Firefox clients, without the need to install a dedicated client or subscribe to a new service. It fulfills the promise of WebRTC, a standard that has been in development for years, to enable real-time communication between platforms with nothing more than a browser.

How does Firefox Hello work?

Firefox has worked with VoIP provider Telefónica to launch Hello. Users do not have to sign up for a new account or install another chat client. As long as both parties have a compatible browser, they can start chatting. Only the person initiating the call needs to use Firefox, the recipient can use any WebRTC compatible browser like Google Chrome or Opera. The service is free, and with no restrictions like unique user accounts or client downloads, it works just about anywhere.

Currently, users need to switch between various services depending on the network used by their friends or family. A person may have Skype, Hangouts, and FaceTime just to be able to stay in touch with multiple acquaintances. With Firefox Hello, both users can simply open the browser and start talking. The service includes screen sharing and instant messaging along with voice and video chat. While a Firefox account is not required to start chatting, creating one will help users manage their contact lists and conversations.

This plugin-free experience is made possible by WebRTC, the open web standard currently under development. WebRTC allows the browser to make use of the audio and video capabilities built into most modern laptops, namely the webcam and microphone. While it may not be of much use to people who communicate exclusively through a single service like Skype, it does provide real-time communication to the average user, especially the elderly. It reduces the risk of users accidentally downloading and installing malware or computer viruses.

Once WebRTC is widely implemented by all major browsers, Firefox Hello could become a game changer.

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