X Social Media Unveils Universal Access to Audio and Video Calls

In a significant update, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has announced the expansion of its audio and video calling features to all users. This development marks a departure from the previous model where such capabilities were exclusive to Premium subscribers, a service once referred to as "Twitter Blue."

The announcement was made by Enrique Barragan, an engineer at X, who referenced Elon Musk's earlier promise that the feature would be made available to the wider user base once it was sufficiently robust. This move aligns with Musk's vision of transforming X into an "everything app," a concept he has frequently advocated for.

The introduction of calls on the platform began last year for iOS users, followed by Android, but was initially restricted to those with a paid subscription. According to the official support page, users can now manage their audio and video calling options directly from the Direct Messages settings. By default, users can receive calls from accounts they follow or have saved in their address book, provided they grant X access to their contacts.

However, for a user to initiate a call, there must be a prior interaction between the caller and the recipient through X's Direct Messages. For those who are open to receiving calls from anyone on the platform, there is an option to enable this feature. Users are advised to activate the "Enhanced call privacy" setting, which conceals their IP address from other call participants, as a security measure.

The rollout of the updated calling features is being implemented gradually, likely in batches, and they appear to be automatically activated. Users who prefer not to engage in calls on X may need to adjust their settings accordingly.

This expansion of services is a strategic step for X, positioning the platform as a more comprehensive communication tool and potentially increasing user engagement. As the platform continues to evolve under Musk's leadership, users can anticipate further enhancements that align with the goal of creating a multifaceted digital ecosystem.