Imagine the world of tweets, hashtags, and trending topics suddenly coming to life with the power of voice and video. That’s right, X has unveiled a game-changing feature that allows users to call each other through audio and video, bringing a new dimension to your digital conversations.
This development has sparked a mixture of excitement and trepidation among users, as the platform undergoes a transformation, and the term “everything” app gains new meaning. Is it going to be successful? Let’s take a closer look.
Your DMs just got louder
X, formerly known as Twitter, has introduced a set of new features centered around audio and video calling.
Here’s a breakdown of these features:
- Audio and video calling: The most prominent addition is the ability for users to make audio and video calls directly within the X app. This means that you can initiate real-time conversations with your followers, friends, or any other X users, either through voice calls or video calls, offering a more dynamic and engaging way to connect.
- Customization options: X has ensured that users have control over who can contact them through audio and video calls. Users can navigate to the settings section of their Direct Messages to customize their preferences. Within these settings, you can specify who is allowed to call you, providing several options:
- Verified users: You can choose to allow calls only from users who have undergone verification, enhancing security and trust in your interactions.
- People in your address book: This option lets you receive calls from individuals whose contact information is in your X address book, making it easier to connect with your existing contacts.
- People you follow: If you want to keep your communication restricted to the people you follow on X, this option allows you to do just that.
- Default activation: It’s important to note that the audio and video calling feature is enabled by default for X users. When you open the app, you may see a prompt announcing the new feature. However, if you’d rather not use this feature, you can easily disable it through the settings.
- Safety concerns: X has faced challenges regarding the safety and well-being of its user community in the past, particularly when it comes to minority communities. The introduction of audio and video calling raises legitimate concerns about the potential misuse of these features, including harassment and other forms of abuse. Users who have reservations about this new feature have the option to disable it, providing a degree of control over their experience.
- User-centric approach: Some users have expressed a desire for X to adopt a more user-centric approach. This would involve allowing users to activate the audio and video calling feature themselves, giving them the autonomy to choose when and with whom they want to use it. This approach would help prevent unsolicited calls and enhance the user experience.
You can access these choices within the settings of your Direct Messages. If you prefer not to receive calls on X, simply head to your DMs and locate the Settings menu, often represented by a small gear icon. From there, you have the option to deactivate the calling feature. On the other hand, if you wish to keep it active, you can specify who is allowed to call you, whether it be verified users, contacts from your address book, or individuals you follow.
In summary, X’s new features are all about enhancing communication on the platform by introducing audio and video calling capabilities. These features come with customization options, allowing users to control who can contact them through calls, and it’s essential for users to be aware of these options, especially if they have concerns about their safety and privacy on the platform. While the new features have generated mixed reactions, their success will ultimately depend on how well X addresses user concerns and ensures a positive and inclusive experience for all users.
