X is set to introduce audio and video call features, as per Elon Musk's intentions to challenge WhatsApp.
Elon Musk, now the CEO of the revamped micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), has announced the gradual rollout of a fresh suite of features. One of these could be the introduction of video and audio call functionalities on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows PCs, according to a post on the platform.
This development signals the latest evolution of the platform since Musk's acquisition last year, marking another step in its ongoing overhaul. Musk elaborated that the calling feature would be compatible across all supported platforms, minimizing user inconvenience by eliminating the need to link phone numbers for call initiation.
This groundbreaking move makes X a potential contender in the arena of social media platforms providing call functionalities unencumbered by phone number linking. It's worth noting, however, that certain other platforms already offer similar features, albeit with varying requirements and restrictions.
For instance, WeChat requires a phone number for account creation but boasts an extensive feature set beyond messaging, including video calls. Meanwhile, Telegram, known for privacy-focused communication, allows users to hide their phone numbers in group chats and channels, but still mandates phone number verification for account setups.
Apple's FaceTime caters to users exclusively within the Apple ecosystem, offering both video and audio calls without requiring phone number linking, but tied to Apple IDs instead. Lastly, WhatsApp necessitates phone number authentication for account setups, though it provides encrypted video and audio calls to its user base.
As the pioneering global address book, X aims to leverage this position to seamlessly facilitate the new calling feature. The specifics on how this will work, particularly in terms of user interface and privacy, have yet to be revealed.
In a separate development, X has updated its data policy, raising concerns about users' biometric information and job/education history collection, as per Bloomberg's report. The updated policy allows X to gather this data with users' consent, with the intention of matchmaking potential job opportunities and sharing relevant advertising.
- The latest evolution of the platform X, under Elon Musk's leadership, may extend beyond messaging, potentially including call functionalities on various gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, ensuring compatibility across iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows PCs.
- As more social media platforms integrate call functionalities, X, with its potential video and audio call feature unencumbered by phone number linking, could position itself as a front-runner, joining the ranks of WhatsApp, Apple's FaceTime, Telegram, and WeChat in the competitive landscape of technology-driven communication services.
