In recent technology news, the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, has introduced a significant update for its Android user base. This development allows premium subscribers of the platform to make audio and video calls directly from the app. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what this new feature entails.
X Audio and Video Calls Features
X has been evolving rapidly under the leadership of CEO Linda Yaccarino and owner Elon Musk. Their vision of transforming X into an “everything app” takes another step forward with the introduction of audio and video call capabilities for Android users. This feature, which was previously available to iOS users, is now accessible to those using Android devices, marking a significant enhancement in the platform’s functionality.
How the Feature Works
To access the new audio and video call feature, Android users need to update their X app. Once updated, the feature can be found under Settings > Privacy and Safety > Direct Messages. Here, users can enable the audio and video calling option. However, it’s important to note that only premium subscribers of X can initiate calls. All users, regardless of their subscription status, can receive calls.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
X Premium subscriptions start at $3 per month for the Basic tier, which includes ads. For an ad-free experience, the subscription costs $8 per month or $84 annually. It’s not entirely clear which tier includes the capability for outbound video and audio calling, but it’s a feature primarily aimed at attracting new subscribers to the premium service.
Customizing Call Settings
Users have the flexibility to manage who can call them by setting restrictions. They can choose to allow calls only from people in their address book, users they follow, or exclusively from verified users. This customization ensures that users have control over their communication and can avoid unwanted calls.
Broader Implications
The addition of audio and video calls is part of a larger strategy by X’s leadership to diversify the app’s offerings and make it a more comprehensive platform. This strategy includes the recent acquisition of 15 money-transmitter licenses, paving the way for new payment features that allow users to send money to each other directly through the app.
User Reactions and Future Prospects
While this feature has been eagerly anticipated by many, it’s still in the early stages of rollout, and the reaction among the user base is mixed. Some see it as a valuable addition to the platform’s capabilities, while others are more skeptical about its utility. Nonetheless, it represents a significant step towards Musk and Yaccarino’s vision of an all-encompassing app.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Android users (X Premium subscribers) |
| Pricing | Starts at $3/month (Basic with ads); $8/month or $84/year |
| Accessing the Feature | Settings > Privacy and Safety > Direct Messages |
| Call Restrictions | Set to users in address book, followers, or verified users |
| Rollout | Gradual; requires app update |
Conclusion
X’s introduction of audio and video calls for premium Android users is a notable development in the social media and technology space. It reflects the platform’s ambition to expand its services and offer more value to its users. As the feature becomes more widely available and integrated into users’ daily use of the app, it will be interesting to observe its impact on the platform’s popularity and user engagement.