X/Twitter rolls out audio and video calls on Android for paid users
X's Android client is introducing the functionality for audio and video calls directly from the app, according to an update shared by project engineer Enrique. The feature is being rolled out in a graded manner, with Android users being able to check for the update within their X app.
However, this feature is exclusively available to users with a paid subscription on the X Android application. To activate or deactivate this feature, users can navigate to Settings Privacy and safety Direct Messages Enable audio and video calling.
Additionally, the app provides customization options for who can call you, such as contacts, people you follow, or verified users. To initiate an audio/video call, a user must have texted the recipient at least once and push notifications must be enabled to receive call alerts.
The calling mechanism operates in a peer-to-peer manner by default, but an 'Enhanced Call Privacy' setting can obscure your IP address by directing the traffic through the X infrastructure.
This update is part of an ongoing enhancement strategy for the platform, aligning with Elon Musk's vision for X to evolve into an 'everything app', rather than solely a microblogging platform.
- Social Network
- Freemium • Proprietary
Related news
External links
- Audio and video calls on X slowly rolling out for android users todayX • Official source
- Audio and Video CallsX • Official source
- X rolls out audio and video calling to Android usersThe Verge
- X is rolling out audio and video calls to AndroidTechCrunch
- X introduces video and audio calls on Android; receive calls for free but pay to makeMSPoweruser
- X's premium audio and video calling features are now available for AndroidNeowin
Comments
I must have never used Twitter correctly, because I don't see what this ads to the platform. I'm always supportive of unique privacy methods, but I can't find any actual information besides "its routed through the infrastructure." Plenty of apps offer free voice calling, and even facebook, who I distrust as much as Musk, offers standard E2EE, using signal and their own protocols, complete with documentation on encryption methods as well as independent assessments. Paywalling a new service that FB offered free of charge is for a long time seems pretty silly to me, especially when they only give vague statements claiming its secure and private. At best it seems like X acts as a proxy for call traffic, which could leave the company itself open access to that data and doesn't come close to the security of E2E encryption
Yes, it doesn't seem that secure. But will protect anyone from the average person from getting their IP address grabbed. If you want privacy, get something like Signal, Telegram, Element, etc.
I agree, it doesn't add much to Twitter/X, unless they are trying to expand what it's about. I think that's a step in the wrong direction. They should focus on what Twitter/X was designed for. They have enough problems as it is.
Though if I had a choice to trust my data with Facebook or Twitter/X, it would always be Twitter.