X’s Unusual Audio and Video Calling Feature Puzzles Users

In the ever-evolving world of social media, X, formerly known as Twitter, is making waves once again. This time, it’s with a feature that, according to some, nobody asked for – audio and video calling. The company’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, hinted at this development back in August, and it’s now being rolled out to users.

A New Frontier in Social Media

X has been on a journey of transformation ever since it rebranded from Twitter, and the addition of audio and video calling is the latest step in this evolution. With CEO Linda Yaccarino at the helm, the platform has been striving to become an “Everything” app, encompassing a wide array of features and services. This audacious vision aligns with the goals of Elon Musk, who has taken on the role of the platform’s CTO and owner.

Using the Audio and Video Calling Feature

For users opening the app, they will be greeted with a prompt that announces the arrival of audio and video calls. This feature can be found in the Direct Messages section. Here’s how to navigate it:

.@X gets @WhatsApp like audio, video calling feature: How to use ithttps://t.co/JZ21sih5Oo

— Techlusive (@TechlusiveOFCL) October 26, 2023

1. Accessing the Feature: Upon opening the app, you may receive a prompt that says, “Audio and Video calls are here!” This is your signal that the feature is now available to you.

2. Customising Your Settings: To manage how this feature works, you can head to the settings section of your Direct Messages. Look for the Settings menu, represented by a tiny gear icon. Clicking on it will allow you to customise your preferences.

3. Control Over Calls: If you have no interest in receiving calls on the app, you can disable the feature altogether. However, if you’re open to it, you can choose who can call you. Options include allowing calls from verified users, people in your address book, or those you follow.

Related: Elon Musk Announces Two New Premium Tiers for X

User Concerns

X has faced its fair share of criticism, particularly concerning the safety of its platform, especially for minority communities. This, in part, explains why many users might prefer to opt out of using this new feature. Additionally, not everyone will receive the prompt about the new calling feature, which is enabled by default.

@thetechychemist

Video and audiocall is coming to X (formerly Twitter) and you don’t need to have a phone number. #twitter #ai #google

♬ original sound – Thetechychemist | Techtoknaija

Safety Concerns: Some users may have reservations about using this feature due to past experiences on the platform. The app’s track record in creating a safe space has been questioned, making it understandable why some would choose to opt-out.

Prompt Availability: It’s worth noting that not all users receive the prompt introducing the new calling feature. This means that some individuals might not be aware of the feature until they inadvertently stumble upon it.

Read More: X Legal Fees Dispute Cost Insane $1.1 Million Payment

Future Considerations

While this feature rollout is happening, some suggest that the developers could have approached it differently. It’s possible that there could be some changes in the pipeline based on user feedback.

User Control: Instead of having the feature enabled by default, some argue that it might have been wiser to let users turn it on themselves. This would have given individuals greater control over whether they want to use it.

Feature Prioritisation: In a world of finite development resources, some users hope that it might prioritise other features over audio and video calling. For instance, there’s mention of “Circles,” suggesting that the platform should focus on refining and expanding existing features rather than introducing new ones.

Also Read: Elon Musk’s Quest for a “Super App”: X.com Is Just the Beginning

Elon Musk’s Vision

Elon Musk, as the owner and CTO of X, is pushing for the platform to become an “Everything app”. This means that the app will offer a wide range of services, from messaging and social networking to peer-to-peer payments. This vision was teased by Musk back in August when he announced that users wouldn’t need a phone number to use these new features. It’s also noteworthy that these features will be available not only on mobile platforms but also on personal computers.

The integration of audio and video calling into the platform is a clear step toward achieving Musk’s ambitious vision for the “Everything app.” With this feature, it aims to be not just a social media platform but an all-encompassing digital hub where users can connect, communicate, and share in a variety of ways.

Our Say

The introduction of audio and video calling is a significant move in its transformation into an all-in-one app. While some users may be sceptical about the feature’s safety and necessity, it aligns with Elon Musk’s grand vision for X as the “Everything app.” The ability to customise call settings gives users control, and the platform’s evolution is a testament to its commitment to staying at the forefront of social media innovation. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing digital landscape, we can expect more features and changes that redefine how we interact and connect in the online world.