X to roll out audio, video calling feature

WEB DESK: X, previously known as Twitter, is gearing up to introduce video and audio calls as owner Elon Musk aims to create a comprehensive “everything app.”

The announcement comes from after Musk, who has detailed that these communication features will be accessible on both smartphones and computers, spanning Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS platforms.

Video & audio calls coming to X:

– Works on iOS, Android, Mac & PC
– No phone number needed
– X is the effective global address book

That set of factors is unique.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2023

Meanwhile, Musk highlighted that this innovative feature won’t require phone numbers; X will serve as a global address book through its usernames. However, he refrained from disclosing a specific launch date, only assuring that the rollout is in progress.

As previously mentioned, this isn’t the first instance of the social media platform discussing audio and video call features. Recent revelations included screenshots shared by the company’s designer Andrea Conway showcasing the upcoming design.

The images preview the inclusion of a phone receiver icon at the top right corner of your Twitter (X) direct messages (DMs) once the feature is activated. Upon tapping the icon, users will be presented with options for audio and video calls.

ring ring pic.twitter.com/1WemXRhFZf

— Andrea Conway (@ehikian) July 7, 2023

The proposed video call user interface is anticipated to include standard call controls, with a picture-in-picture display showcasing both the user’s video feed and the contact’s video. In addition to call termination, there will be controls to disable the camera, mute the microphone, and adjust speaker settings.

However, the calls might not be encrypted initially, but Musk said that they will introduce encryption feature later. He explained that while encryption won’t be available right away, they will allow users to turn it on or off as needed. He noted that encryption could cause a slight delay, but for most calls, quality is better without encryption.

Not at first, but we will add the ability to turn encryption on or off dynamically.

There is necessarily a slight lag for encryption. Most of the time, encryption isn’t important and quality of call is better.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2023

It is pertinent to note that the initial screenshots provide a glimpse of the planned design, but the final feature version may undergo some refinements before its official launch.