Elon Musk’s X (Formerly Twitter) Introduces Audio and Video Calls
Introduction
In a bold move to redefine the landscape of social media platforms, Elon Musk’s X, previously known as Twitter, has unveiled a groundbreaking feature that allows users to make audio and video calls directly within the platform. While the feature is currently exclusive to X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue) users on iOS, the company has announced plans to extend access to Android users shortly. This announcement marks a significant development in social media communication, blurring the lines between text-based interactions and real-time conversations.
“Early version of video & audio calling on X” was how Musk referred to a post on the site that told users how to activate this feature.
Early version of video & audio calling on 𝕏 https://t.co/aFI3VujLMh
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 25, 2023
The CEO of the business, Linda Yaccarino, announced earlier in August that native calling features will soon be available to social platform users. This would enable users to conduct audio or video conversations without disclosing their phone numbers.
Yaccarino stated in a conversation with CNBC that the feature would be accessible through the “Direct Message” (DM) menu and that the platform would put in place certain safeguards to stop users from receiving unsolicited calls.
How to enable audio and video calling on X:
- Go to the app settings
- Tap “Privacy and Safety”
- Click “Direct Messages”
- Toggle on “Enable audio and video calling.”
To initiate a call, you can:
- Open your direct messages.
- Select an existing DM conversation or start a new one.
- Tap on the phone icon.
- Choose between “Audio call” or “Video call” by tapping the respective icons.
The new feature allows audio and video calls from:
- People in your address book.
- People you follow.
- Verified users.
When you are in a chat with another user on the platform, the call button shows in the upper right corner, much like it does on Instagram and WhatsApp. This feature works on iOS, Android, Mac, and PCs. No phone numbers are needed to access the features.
Moreover, Elon Musk’s involvement with X has been nothing short of transformative. Since acquiring the platform, he has rebranded it and introduced several innovative features. These changes have enhanced the user experience and made X more than just a microblogging platform.
Video and Audio Calls Feature
Introducing video and audio calls on Elon Musk’s X is a significant step forward in the evolution of social media platforms. While many social media networks have integrated video and audio features, X’s approach stands out due to its unique user base and the platform’s inherent ability to drive engagement.
Currently, these features are limited to X Premium iOS users, allowing them to have one-on-one or group conversations via video or audio. This expands the possibilities for personal connections and opens up new avenues for businesses and content creators to connect with their audiences in more immersive ways.
X’s introduction of video and audio calls is set to impact the world of social media profoundly. It brings people closer together, enabling richer and more personal interactions. Furthermore, it can alter how businesses and content creators engage with their followers, making it a valuable tool for marketing and customer relations.
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Breaking Down the Features
- One-on-One Calls: Users can now have private conversations with friends, family, or business contacts without leaving the X platform. This feature adds convenience and ensures users stay within the X ecosystem for public posts and private conversations.
- Group Calls: Group discussions are made easier and more interactive. Whether for planning an event, discussing a project, or simply catching up with friends, X’s group call feature simplifies connecting multiple users simultaneously.
- Seamless Integration: The video and audio call feature integrates seamlessly with X’s existing messaging system. This ensures that your contacts are readily available for calls, making it simple to transition from text-based conversations to voice or video calls with just a tap.
Video & audio calls coming to X:
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2023
- Works on iOS, Android, Mac & PC
- No phone number needed
- X is the effective global address book
That set of factors is unique.
Expanding to Android
While the new video and audio call feature is exclusive to iOS users, X has clarified that it plans to extend this functionality to Android users shortly. This move aligns with the company’s goal to make these features available to a wider user base, ensuring more people can experience the next era of social media communication.
The Future of Elon Musk’s X
As X continues to evolve under Elon Musk’s leadership, we can expect more innovative features and changes that will redefine the social media landscape. The introduction of video and audio calls is just one example of the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and communication.
Musk has long wished Twitter to emulate ‘WeChat‘ in China by becoming “an everything app”. Two new paid premium tiers from X will launch soon, one of which will have advertisements and cost less than the $8 monthly fee it now charges. According to the billionaire, there will be a further, more costly layer that eliminates all advertisements.
“X Premium memberships will shortly offer two additional levels. The X owner wrote that one is more costly but has no advertisements, while the other is less priced with full functionality but no reduction in adverts.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, is ushering in a new era of social media communication by introducing video and audio calls. This feature, currently available to X Premium users on iOS, promises to make social interactions more personal and engaging. With plans to expand to Android users shortly, X is poised to bring this transformative technology to an even wider audience. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of social media platforms, and we can’t wait to see what Elon Musk’s X has in store for us next.
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