X to Gain Audio & Video Calling, No Phone Number Required

Elon Musk has declared that his social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), is gearing up to unveil a groundbreaking feature that will change the dynamics of online communication. This innovation enables users to make audio and video calls without the necessity of conventional phone numbers, and it is expected to be compatible with various devices including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Musk made his enthusiasm palpable through a post on the platform that emphasized the feature’s distinctiveness. This comes after X CEO Linda Yaccarino previously confirmed in a conversation with CNBC that the platform was in the process of incorporating this feature.

Andrea Conway, a designer at X, teased the upcoming capability by sharing images of the new calling option located at the top right corner of the platform’s direct message menu, bearing similarities to Instagram’s calling feature.

In what could be a transformative step, X aims to circumvent the need to save phone numbers in the traditional manner. Instead, it proposes to function as an “effective global address book”. Users will simply need to search for another user’s username to initiate a call, thereby streamlining the entire calling process. To ensure a smooth user experience, X is also instituting measures to curb spam calls. Nonetheless, it should be noted that some functionalities may be limited to premium subscribers, aligning with an industry-wide trend toward paid features on social platforms.

Currently, X offers “Spaces” for live audio conversations, but this feature is largely intended for group interactions and less suited for personal, one-on-one dialogues. The integration of video and audio calling functionalities enhances X’s offerings, nudging it toward a more holistic communication experience. This innovative feature has the potential to give X a competitive edge over rivals like Bluesky and Instagram’s Threads, in line with Musk’s vision of transforming X into a versatile app comparable to WeChat or WhatsApp.

Although the official release date and accessibility details are yet to be confirmed, the anticipated feature underscores X’s ambition to reimagine digital communication.