X (Formerly Twitter), Launches Video and Voice Call Feature

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has unveiled a groundbreaking feature: voice and video calls. This innovative maneuver comes as part of a broader strategy to expand toolset availability and enhance user experience on the platform, according to Engadget.

Users of X were greeted with a pop-up notification Thursday, announcing the availability of the new feature. The announcement included helpful instructions on how to manage the new feature and personalise settings relating to who can contact them via these calls.

To adjust their call settings, those with access to the feature must navigate to the Direct Messages (DM) tab, where they can access a settings list via the gear icon. Here, users will find a toggle to enable or disable audio and video calling, or even set restrictions on who can call them. These restrictions may include contacts from their address book, accounts they follow, or verified users of X.

The rollout comes in line with X CEO, Linda Yaccarino's intent to enhance interactive capabilities on the platform, without users having to provide their phone numbers. This vision of "unlimited interactivity" surfaced following a teaser from X designer, Andrea Conway in July 2023. It offered a glimpse into the new feature via a screenshot showcasing a DM between users and a visible phone icon.

This initiative aligns perfectly with owner Elon Musk's ambition to transform the revamped social media behemoth into a multi-purpose platform offering a range of interactive features. Lauding the novelty, Yaccarino stated that the platform aims to be a haven of audio, video, messaging, and payments.