LAS VEGAS -- AT&T announced on Monday a developer tool that enables technology called Enhanced WebRTC to provide voice and video calls between browsers without the need for a plug-in.
WebRTC (Real Time Communications) is an emerging standard that allows voice and video calls by using a browser on any device, including a smartwatch. AT&T said it is the first U.S. carrier to launch commercial support for the standard and announced an application programming interface (API) in an open beta program.
During an onstage demo at its developer summit, AT&T and Plantronics showed how the API can enable a worker to make a flight reservation online via a laptop with a video chat enabled through the worker's mobile phone number. Then, the worker was able to transfer the reservation confirmation and other details to his phone.
The API by AT&T enhances the WebRTC standard by allowing voice and video communications to extend to landlines and mobile numbers, not just peer-to-peer or browser-to-browser sessions. Also, the API adds the ability to enable caller ID over a WebRTC browser. Users can also move or transfer a call that started on a PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone.