Google, Mozilla hail new WebRTC standard that links Chrome and Firefox

IDG News Service - Developers now can create audio and video communications applications that work across the Chrome and Firefox browsers without the need for plug-ins.

This is possible via the use of WebRTC standard technologies for high-quality audio and high-definition video communications in Web-based applications, according to Google and Mozilla.

"Because the functionality is now baked into the browser, users can avoid problems with first-time installs and buggy plugins, and developers can deploy their apps much more easily and universally," wrote Maire Reavy, Firefox Media product lead, and Serge Lachapelle, Chrome product manager, in a blog post on Monday.

Chrome and Firefox can now communicate by using standard technologies such as the Opus and VP8 codecs for audio and video, DTLS-SRTP for encryption and ICE for networking, they wrote in a separate blog post.

This WebRTC PeerConnection interoperability is an early implementation so it contains bugs and isn't yet supported in every network environment, according to the companies. Developers can try it out on Chrome 25 beta and on the Firefox Nightly for Desktop test versions.

The companies have also posted a YouTube video that demonstrates the functionality.

Juan Carlos Perez covers enterprise communication/collaboration suites, operating systems, browsers and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Juan on Twitter at @JuanCPerezIDG.