The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is gearing up to introduce video and audio calling features, as its owner Elon Musk races to transform it into an "everything app" to outshine Meta Platforms-owned Threads.
Users won't require a phone number to access these features, which will be compatible with Apple's iOS, Google's Android, and personal computers, according to Musk's recent post on X. Additionally, Musk has ambitious plans to turn X into a global address book, although he has not disclosed a specific launch date.
Since rebranding Twitter as X, Musk has been signaling his intention to turn it into a super app offering a wide array of services, from messaging and social networking to peer-to-peer payments. This vision is reminiscent of Tencent's WeChat, a ubiquitous part of daily life in China.
Musk, who continues to lead product development at X despite appointing a new CEO in May, is also exploring changes to how news links are presented on the platform, a move that could potentially impact the reach of news publishers.
In recent news, X has obtained a currency transmitter license, indicating its potential to support cryptocurrency and fiat currency transactions. This license allows X to facilitate custody, transfers, and exchanges of digital currencies.
It's worth noting that Musk acquired Twitter in October of last year, stating that "Buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app." The concept of an "everything app" envisions a comprehensive, all-in-one platform similar to WeChat, serving multiple purposes, including ride booking, money transfer, payments, and everyday communications.