X, the social network led by Elon Musk, is now letting Android phone users make audio and video calls through its app. This update comes after the feature was first made available for iPhone users in October. The announcement was made by an engineer at X. They said that Android users will get this new feature after they update their app. Linda Yaccarino, the CEO, first talked about adding video calls to X in August 2023.
One of the X engineers working on the project announced the news, indicating that the feature will be accessible to Android users following an app update. This development comes after CEO Linda Yaccarino first hinted at the introduction of video calls to X in August 2023, marking a significant expansion in the platform’s communication features.
Interestingly, the new calling feature comes with a unique model: while any X user can receive calls, only those with a paid subscription can initiate them. This model is part of X’s strategy to offer a range of exclusive services to its premium users. However, the platform recently scaled back on one such perk, removing the ability for premium users to set an NFT as their profile picture earlier this month.
To ensure user privacy and control, X has provided settings that allow users to enable or disable the calling feature. Located under Settings > Privacy and Safety> Direct Messages, users can customize who can call them. The options include people in their address book, people they follow, and verified users, who can select multiple preferences from these categories.
X’s ambition to become an “everything app” is evident in its ongoing developments. Earlier this month, the company laid out its vision for 2024, which includes launching peer-to-peer payments and new features powered by xAI, such as “show dissimilar posts.” Additionally, X plans to introduce more advertising products targeted at marketers, further expanding its business model.
With these continuous enhancements, X is not only diversifying its offerings but also redefining the landscape of social media interaction, paving the way for a more integrated and comprehensive digital experience for its users.
