Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has recently implemented a groundbreaking feature allowing users to make video and phone calls directly within the platform. Unlike previous iterations, this functionality is now accessible to all users without the requirement of purchasing an X Premium subscription or divulging personal phone numbers. This strategic move is poised to pose a formidable challenge to competing platforms like Meta’s WhatsApp, ushering in a new era of communication on social media.
The announcement of this significant update came from Enrique Barragan, an engineer at X, who shared the news on the platform, stating, “we’re slowly rolling out audio and video calling to non-premium users, try it out! now you can also choose allow calls from everyone.” With this expansion, X aims to democratize access to advanced communication tools, fostering greater connectivity among its user base.
However, certain limitations accompany this feature’s implementation. Users can only receive calls from accounts they follow or have stored in their address book. Moreover, initiating a call requires prior interaction via direct message, ensuring a level of familiarity between users. Despite these constraints, users have the flexibility to adjust their settings to receive calls from any user on the platform, not just those they follow, enhancing accessibility and connectivity.
Previously, X had introduced this feature exclusively for iOS users with an active X Premium subscription. However, recognizing the growing demand for expanded communication options, the company extended this capability to Android users earlier this year. Despite this inclusivity, access to the feature remained restricted to Premium subscribers until the recent update, which democratized access to all users.
To utilize this new feature on X:
1. Open the X app on your Android or iOS device and navigate to the direct message section.
2. Tap on the phone icon and choose between ‘Audio Call’ or ‘Video Call’ to initiate the conversation. The recipient will receive a notification indicating your call attempt.
3. Users can customize their call settings by accessing the Settings menu located in the top right corner of the app interface.
By integrating video and phone calls into its platform, X aims to enhance user engagement and establish itself as a comprehensive communication hub. This move not only diversifies X’s offerings but also underscores its commitment to innovation in the social media landscape. As users embrace this new feature, X is poised to redefine the way individuals connect and communicate online, transcending traditional messaging and calling apps.
