X Officially Launches Audio and Video Calling Feature: Here’s How They Work

X, formerly known as Twitter, has officially rolled out audio and video calls to its users. This new feature is a milestone in the company's transformation into what Elon Musk has dubbed the "everything app." The introduction of audio and video calls comes after months of speculation and hints from Musk himself.

An Early Version of Communication

X's foray into audio and video calls is labeled as an "early version" of the feature, indicating that the company has big plans for its future development. This news was confirmed by none other than Elon Musk in a recent post on the platform. The goal is to make X a one-stop destination for communication and more, promising accessibility across iOS, Android, Mac, and PC - without the need for a phone number.

The How and Who of X Calls

Users can easily enable audio and video calling by navigating to the app's settings. The "Enable audio and video calling" toggle offers options to specify who can contact you using these features. Users can choose to allow calls from people in their address book, people they follow, verified users, or all of the above. Initiating a call is straightforward: open a Direct Message (DM) with another user, tap the phone icon in the top right corner, and select either audio or video call.

However, it remains unclear how widely the feature has been rolled out or whether non-Premium users will have access to it. Earlier findings in X's code had hinted at a Premium subscription requirement, raising questions about accessibility. X has yet to clarify the specifics of this aspect.

X's Premium Offering

Currently, the audio and video calling features on X are exclusive to X Premium users (formerly known as Twitter Blue) on iOS. This Premium subscription, which comes with a nominal annual fee, has also been extended to users in New Zealand and the Philippines. The move to monetize the platform is part of Musk's larger strategy to turn X into a sustainable and multifaceted application.

The Future of X Calls

While audio and video calls have made their debut on X, Android users don't have the feature yet. X has already hinted at plans to bring these features to Android, promising an even broader user base in the near future. As it stands, free X users can still receive calls, allowing them to customize their call settings and choose who can contact them.

To make a call, both parties must have exchanged Direct Messages at least once. This requirement ensures that calls are made between individuals with an existing connection on the platform, enhancing user experience.

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