X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is set to launch an audio and video calls feature. Elon Musk, who took over the platform last year, announced through a tweet that X would be introducing this long-awaited feature, making it available on iOS, Android, Mac & PC, and not requiring a phone number. However, leaked screenshots of X’s code suggest that the audio and video calls feature may only be accessible to X Premium subscribers.
According to investor Chris Messina, who posted the screenshots on rival app Threads, X Premium subscribers might be the only ones with access to the audio and video calls feature. These leaked screenshots reveal that users could receive calls from people in their address book, people they follow, and Verified users. The feature is designed to give users the option to opt in or out and decide who they wish to receive calls from.
The code screenshot emphasizes the premium nature of this feature, stating, “Audio and video calls are a premium feature. Subscribe to get access.” This suggests that X Premium subscribers will have the privilege of enjoying audio and video calls, further adding value to their subscription.
X Premium, formerly known as Twitter Blue, is a subscription service that offers several exclusive features for paying subscribers. Alongside the audio and video calls, subscribers gain access to a verification badge, a reduced number of ads on their feed, the ability to post longer content, and the option to edit their posts. The subscription is available on the web for $8 per month or $84 per year, whereas on iOS and Android, it costs $11 per month or $114.99 per year.
Elon Musk has big plans for X, aiming to transform it into an all-encompassing “everything app” like China’s WeChat. This ambitious vision includes social networking, calling and messaging, and even in-app payments. Musk also seeks to monetize services on X, stating in a recent meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that users would be charged a small monthly fee to use the platform. This move towards a monthly payment system aims to address concerns about bots amplifying hate speech on the platform.
X Premium’s introduction of audio and video calls is an exciting development for the platform’s subscribers. While the feature is not available to all users, it offers a new level of communication and convenience to X Premium subscribers. With Musk’s vision to expand X’s capabilities and monetize its services, it will be interesting to see how the platform evolves in the coming months.
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