Social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) has finally introduced a much-anticipated communication feature for Android users, following its release on iOS in 2023.
According to Enrique, a developer at X, the platform is now rolling out Voice and Video calls for Android users.
While all users can receive calls, only Premium X users have the ability to initiate a call with another person. To access these new features, users must update the X app via the Google Play Store.
After updating, users will see a small introductory message within the X app announcing the availability of voice and video calls. The platform recommends that users review their settings to enable or disable this feature.
Additionally, users who activate the feature can control who is allowed to call them on X, with options to restrict calls to people in their address book, those they follow, or verified users, as detailed on X’s support page.
To start a voice or video call, users can go to the DM conversation with the person they wish to call. For voice calls, users can place the call on speaker by tapping the “audio” icon, which also provides a mute option.
For video calls, X allows users to switch between their front and rear cameras by tapping the “flip camera” icon. There is also the ability to turn off the camera or mute the microphone during the call.
In a tweet on January 18, 2024, Enrique announced the gradual rollout of audio and video calls for Android users, urging them to update their app and, humorously, to “call your mother.”
Additionally, X offers an “Enhanced Call Privacy” setting for added security. When enabled, this setting hides your IP address from those you call or receive calls from.
The feature is disabled by default, as X explains that its servers facilitate the call’s initiation before routing it into a peer-to-peer scenario where both parties can see each other’s IP addresses.
To enable this extra security layer, users can go to the envelope icon (DMs) > Settings (gear icon) > and toggle on Enhanced Call Privacy.
This update for Android comes nearly three months after iOS users received voice and video call capabilities in October 2023.
These features are part of Elon Musk’s broader strategy to expand communication options on X while enhancing the security of users’ direct messages.
Discussions with Signal’s creator and former CEO, Moxie Marlinspike, have taken place to explore methods for implementing stronger encryption for DMs.
In a related development, X recently secured its 15th money transmitter license from the state of Utah. The platform aims to obtain licenses in all 50 states, moving closer to legally facilitating user money transfers, similar to PayPal’s Venmo.
Musk has previously stated his vision for users to manage their “entire financial life” on X, with this feature expected to arrive “by the end of” 2024.
