X introduces audio and video calls for Android users
After an initial iOS launch, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter is finally bringing in audio and video calls for Android users.
Only premium users can make and receive calls, though, in line with the iOS version of the app. However, X adds that all accounts can receive calls.
An X employee confirmed on X that this feature was now available to Android users.
https://x.com/enriquebrgn/status/1748114599856193879?s=20
Linda Yaccarino, X’s CEO, first announced video chat on the platform last August as part of her and owner Elon Musk’s plan to create an “everything” app.
X joins a host of apps and services that offer audio and/or video calls. This includes WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal, and Google Meet. For what it’s worth, pretty much all of these services let you make and receive calls for free.
The X employee notes that the feature is rolling out gradually on Android, so you might have to wait a few days to get it.
Notably, any user can receive a call but only paid users can place a call. It’s one of the long list of things only paid users can do on X. However, X removed the ability for premium users to set an NFT as a profile picture earlier in the month.
It is also easy to turn calls off on X. Go into settings and click privacy and safety, then direct messages. There, you’ll see an option that says enable audio and video calling, which you can make sure is switched off. Alternatively, you can control who can call you on X.
Limits include people in your address book, verified users and people you follow. These restrictions can be helpful to avoid unwanted calls, as the person on the other end of the line doesn’t need your phone number to contact you.
Earlier this month, the company published its vision for 2024 including launching peer-to-peer payment, new xAI-powered features such as “show dissimilar posts,” and more ad products for marketers.