Elon Musk’s ambition to transform X/Twitter into a comprehensive “super app” is no secret. Following the platform’s foray into voice and video calling on iOS devices in October 2023, these features have finally landed on Android. Bringing a new dimension to communication within the X/Twitter ecosystem.
Making the Call: How X/Twitter’s Voice and Video Calling Works
While an official announcement from X/Twitter regarding the Android rollout is yet to arrive, an employee’s tweet from Elon Musk’s Twitter account hinted at the gradual deployment, inviting users to “update your application and call your mother.” This lighthearted prompt might oversimplify the reality, but it accurately points towards the core functionality. Making and receiving voice and video calls directly through the X/Twitter messaging interface.
However, there’s a crucial caveat – this feature comes with a price tag. Access to voice and video calling is exclusive to X Premium subscribers. With monthly fees starting at €8 for the basic plan and €16 for Premium+. Annual subscriptions offer some cost savings, dropping to €84 and €168 respectively. The good news is that receiving calls doesn’t require a paid subscription. Making X/Twitter a potentially convenient platform for impromptu conversations even with non-paying users.
The Potential and Pitfalls of In-App Calling
The ability to directly call someone within X/Twitter presents both advantages and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, it offers a seamless way to connect with others for live conversations. Especially when voice messages feel insufficient and phone numbers aren’t readily available. However, given X/Twitter’s ongoing struggles with spam and misinformation, the introduction of voice and video calling raises concerns about its potential misuse. Scammers or malicious actors could exploit this feature for unsolicited calls and deceptive interactions.
To mitigate these risks, X/Twitter provides granular control over call settings within the messaging interface. Users can choose to receive calls from anyone with a Premium subscription, limit them to their followers, or restrict them solely to contacts saved on their phone. Exercising caution and adopting a selective approach to call permissions is crucial for a safe and positive experience.
The Road Ahead: Will X/Twitter’s Calling Features Take Flight?
With voice and video calling now available on both Android and iOS, it remains to be seen how these features will fare in terms of user adoption and overall impact. Despite being present on iOS for several months, there hasn’t been a significant buzz surrounding its usage. Whether X/Twitter can successfully integrate these functionalities into its existing user base and attract new audiences through them remains an open question.
The success of X/Twitter’s voice and video calling features will hinge on several factors, including:
- Addressing spam and abuse concerns. X/Twitter must proactively address potential misuse of the calling system through effective moderation tools and user education.
- Enhancing call quality and functionality. Providing a smooth and reliable calling experience with clear audio and video is essential for user satisfaction.
- Promoting the feature and its benefits. X/Twitter should effectively communicate the advantages of in-app calling and showcase its potential uses beyond casual conversations.
Ultimately, the integration of voice and video calling into X/Twitter represents another step towards its evolution into a multifaceted platform. Whether it becomes a widely used communication tool or remains a niche feature will depend on X/Twitter’s ability to address user concerns, optimize the calling experience, and effectively demonstrate its value proposition.
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Addressing Misuse Concerns in X/Twitter’s Voice and Video Calling
The introduction of voice and video calling on X/Twitter, while offering exciting potential for live communication, has rightfully raised concerns about potential misuse. From scam calls to harassment, the risks associated with opening up a new avenue for interaction on a platform already grappling with spam and misinformation cannot be ignored.
Let’s delve into some of the key concerns and explore how X/Twitter plans to address them:
Concern: Spam and Scams:
- Misuse of anonymity: Incognito accounts with Premium subscriptions could pose a significant risk for unwanted calls and deceptive interactions.
- Exploiting vulnerable users: Scammers might target specific demographics with malicious calls posing as customer service or financial institutions.
X/Twitter’s approach:
- Robust spam detection and moderation: Implementing advanced algorithms and human moderation teams to identify and flag suspicious calls.
- User control over call permissions: Granular settings allowing users to restrict calls to followers, contacts, or entirely disable them.
- Reporting and blocking mechanisms: Empowering users to report abusive calls and block offending accounts promptly.
Concern: Harassment and Abuse:
- Targeted intimidation: Malicious actors could use voice and video calls to directly harass or threaten specific users.
- Invasion of privacy: Unwanted video calls can be a violation of privacy, particularly for users with large followings.
X/Twitter’s approach:
- Zero-tolerance for harassment: Clear policies and swift action against accounts engaging in abusive behavior.
- Blocking and muting options: Allowing users to easily block offending callers and mute notifications for incoming calls.
- Safety features: Exploring functionalities like call recording and reporting options with evidence capture.
Additional Concerns:
- Data privacy: Ensuring the security and encryption of call data to protect user privacy.
- Accessibility: Accommodating users with disabilities or limited bandwidth through alternative communication options.
- Misinformation and manipulation: Implementing measures to prevent the spread of false information through calls.
X/Twitter needs to proactively address these concerns to ensure a safe and positive experience for all users. Open communication about implemented safeguards, ongoing efforts to combat misuse, and clear reporting channels will be crucial in building trust and encouraging responsible use of the calling features.
It’s important to note that mitigating these risks won’t be a one-time endeavor. X/Twitter must remain vigilant, adapt its approach as needed, and collaborate with its user community to continually refine its safeguards and promote responsible calling practices. Only through a proactive and multi-pronged approach can X/Twitter unlock the full potential of voice and video calling while minimizing the associated risks.
By fostering a safe and trustworthy communication environment, X/Twitter can turn its calling features into a valuable addition to its platform, allowing users to connect authentically and confidently within its ecosystem.
Via: gizchina.com
