Elon Musk to transform X (Twitter) into a 'Super App' with new audio and video calling features

Elon Musk has recently indicated through an X post (formerly known as Twitter) that the company is in the process of incorporating audio and video calls on X. Even though the exact release date has not been disclosed, it is expected to be launched shortly.

Initiating Calls Without Phone Numbers

Upon its introduction, users will have the ability to make both audio and video calls to other X users from various devices including iPhone, Android smartphones, Mac, and Windows PC. Musk had previously alluded to this feature in an earlier post on X.

A distinct characteristic of this feature is that it does not necessitate the use of a phone number to initiate calls via the platform. It is likely that this functionality will be embedded within Twitter DMs, enabling users to directly initiate both audio and video calls with anyone on the platform.

Feature Prototype

Andrea Conway, a designer at X, shared a prototype of this feature in action back in July. Based on her post, it seems that the audio and video calling options will be accessible in the top right corner of the DM window, with the ability to toggle between them seamlessly.

Transforming X into a Super App

This development is aligned with Musk's ambition to transform X into a Super App X platform, negating the need to switch between different apps for voice and video communication, and thereby enhancing user retention and engagement on the platform. However, it is still unclear whether the calls will be end-to-end encrypted.

Unanswered Questions

At present, there is limited information regarding this upcoming feature. It remains uncertain how it will compare to competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp, whether it will support one-on-one or group calls, allow users to control who can call them, and whether it will be accessible to all users or only to those with a paid subscription.

Other New Features on X

Musk has also explored the possibility of enabling users to engage in stock and cryptocurrency trading directly through the platform. It was previously reported that Twitter had collaborated with eToro and TradingView to enable users to take prompt actions based on the information displayed in their timelines.

However, the gradual rollout of these features did not generate much enthusiasm among users. Contrary to these features, Musk's latest initiative does not depend on external variables and could potentially enhance engagement on the platform.

As mentioned by Musk, the platform will not require users to provide a phone number for registration. The X username will suffice for connecting with others, effectively converting the platform into a global address book.

Existing Feature: Spaces

Currently, X has a feature called Spaces that allows a large number of users to participate in an audio call. However, this does not support one-on-one calling, which the platform plans to introduce.

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