X is rolling out audio and video call capability to Android users, after it was introduced for iOS users in October 2023.
The news was let slip by an X engineer working on the project who relayed that the release would be available on Android after an app update.
Any user of Elon Musk’s social media platform can receive a call but only paid users can make a call. The new function on the app is one of a growing list only subscribers can utilize, although earlier this month X removed support for NFT profile images.
audio and video calls on X slowly rolling out for android users today! update your app and call your mother
— Enrique 🦖 (@enriquebrgn) January 18, 2024
How to access the call function on X
Users should head to the settings selection to take control of the new call features.
Settings > Privacy and safety > Direct Messages > Enable audio and video calling.
The same menu options give you the option to manage who can call you, from different categories of people in your address book, people you follow, and verified users.
You can choose multiple options, or none, from these selections.
This development appears to signal another move toward X becoming a universal app, a one-stop shop similar to China’s WeChat. It has already set out its intentions for the coming year with AI, unsurprisingly, set to play a prominent role. It will be used to aid search and advertising capabilities whilst there are plans to launch peer-to-peer payments.
Musk also has Twitch in his sights, aiming to take on the Amazon-owned platform with monetized live streams on X.
It remains to be seen how successful this update will be for the social media entity formerly known as Twitter. It is playing catch-up with the likes of Whatsapp, Facebook, and Facetime in offering video and audio call functionality, but the new function will give users one more reason to stay on the X with more new features to follow.
Image: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels.
