In a recent blog post, Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly known as Twitter), revealed that the platform is experimenting with video and audio calling features. Musk shared a screen capture demonstrating how users can activate this feature in the platform’s settings.
The screen capture displayed options for enabling voice and audio calls for contacts in a user’s address book, verified users, and individuals they follow on the platform. However, some users reported not seeing this feature on their app, and it was also not visible in a version tested by AFP.
Back in August, Musk had announced that X was working on voice and video calling capabilities, with the intention of transforming the former Twitter into an all-encompassing “everything app.” These calling features are expected to be compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and PC systems, eliminating the need for a phone number.
Musk rebranded Twitter as X in July, envisioning it as an app inspired by China’s WeChat, where users can socialize and manage their finances. Since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter last October, the platform’s advertising business has faced a decline due to concerns about his management style and significant layoffs affecting content moderation.
To counter this setback, Musk has shifted towards building a subscriber base and implementing a pay model to generate new revenue streams. Audio and video calls are anticipated to be among the features offered exclusively to X subscribers.
However, some users and advertisers have expressed dissatisfaction with the platform’s new charges for previously free services, as well as changes to content moderation and the reintroduction of previously banned far-right accounts.
Furthermore, Musk has replaced the iconic blue bird Twitter logo with a white X to represent the platform’s transformation.
Despite Musk’s recent announcement, several users have reported not seeing the audio and video calling feature on their app, including those who tested a version verified by AFP.
