Observed Signal · Oct 26, 2023 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
X Adds Voice and Video Calls
Elon Musk announced that the X platform will support voice and video calls without requiring a phone number. An early version is available on iOS, with calls initially arriving from accounts the user follows. Users can enable or disable the feature in Settings and restrict who may call them (contacts, followed accounts, or verified users). The rollout is framed as a step toward X's vision of an 'Everything App,' integrating communication within a single platform. The article also notes ongoing work on other features, including Global Search, as part of X's multi-function roadmap.
Platform feature update on a major social platform; not tied to Google/Apple/Meta releases or industry-shifting events.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Elon Musk announced voice and video calling on X without phone numbers
- Early version available for iOS; calls from accounts the user follows
- Users can enable/disable in Settings and restrict callers by contacts, followed accounts, or verified users
- Feature is part of X's vision to become an 'Everything App' and is tied to other updates like Global Search
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
X launches XChat standalone iOS messaging app
X (owned by Elon Musk) has released XChat, a standalone messaging app for iOS that lets users message X contacts, exchange files, and make audio/video calls and group chats. The app supports message editing, deletion, self‑destructing messages and screenshot blocking; X says it contains no advertising or tracking and that messages are end‑to‑end encrypted and PIN‑protected. XChat was tested in a small beta earlier in the year and replaces X’s Communities feature. Security experts — including Matthew Hodgson of Element — expressed skepticism about encryption claims, noting the absence of open protocols or independent audits; Elon Musk’s description of a “Bitcoin‑style” encryption method has drawn particular criticism. X staffer Benji Taylor indicated further messaging developments are planned.
X launches standalone XChat app on iOS
X has publicly launched XChat, a stand-alone messaging app for iOS that lets users message X contacts, share files, make audio and video calls, and create group chats. X previously tested XChat with a small beta cohort. The app includes features X says are privacy-protecting — edit/delete for everyone, disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, and end-to-end encryption with PIN protection — and the company claims there are no ads or tracking in the app. Security experts have previously disputed X’s encryption claims and will likely reassess the standalone release. XChat will become the new home for X’s Communities after the company decided to shut that feature down. The move is part of xAI/SpaceX-linked owner Elon Musk’s broader strategy to extend X’s services via a suite of dedicated apps.
X Adds Native Post Scheduling in App
Social media platform X has introduced a native post scheduling feature directly within its mobile app, eliminating the need for users to rely on the browser version or third-party tools. The feature allows users to schedule posts up to two years in advance, providing significant flexibility for content planning. The functionality is initially rolling out on iOS, with indications of availability in Europe, and is expected to expand globally and to Android later. This update benefits social media managers, businesses, and creators by enabling better content organization and batch production. In parallel, X continues to enhance its advertising capabilities with the X Ads MCP, which allows advertisers to create ads using AI tools through natural language commands.
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