Elon Musk recently revealed that X (formerly Twitter) will soon introduce a revolutionary feature that allows users to make video and audio calls without the need for traditional phone numbers. This development promises to transform the way we connect with others on the platform and is set to be available on a wide range of devices, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.
X, formerly Twitter, to serve as “global address book” for calls
Musk shared his excitement about this upcoming feature in a tweet, highlighting its unique attributes:
Video & audio calls coming to X:
– Works on iOS, Android, Mac & PC
– No phone number needed
– X is the effective global address bookThat set of factors is unique.
This announcement follows X CEO Linda Yaccarino’s earlier confirmation that the platform was actively working on integrating this feature, as discussed during an interaction with CNBC. In addition, Andrea Conway, a designer at X, provided a sneak peek by sharing images of the new video calling option, which can be found in the top right corner of X’s direct message menu and bears a striking resemblance to Instagram’s popular feature.
One of the most exciting aspects of this development is the potential to eliminate the need for users to save phone numbers. Instead, X will act as the “effective global address book,” allowing individuals to simply look up a user’s username and initiate a call, making the entire process more seamless and user-friendly.
Moreover, to ensure a hassle-free experience, X will implement measures to prevent spam calls. However, it’s worth noting that some features may be reserved for premium subscribers, aligning with a broader trend in social media platforms.
While X already offers live conversations through “Spaces,” this feature is primarily designed for group discussions and may not be suitable for one-on-one interactions. With the introduction of video and audio calls, X is positioning itself to offer a more comprehensive communication experience.
This bold move by X could set it apart from competitors like Bluesky and Instagram’s Threads. Elon Musk’s vision for transforming X into an all-encompassing app, akin to WeChat, is becoming more apparent. However, specific details about when this feature will be available to all users or if it will be restricted to premium subscribers remain undisclosed.
