X is slowly rolling out audio and video calling to users that don't pay for its premium subscription service that's formerly known as Twitter Blue. Enrique Barragan, an engineer for the company, has shared the news on the platform. The company initially launched the feature for iOS users last year, giving paying subscribers the option to call other people through the app, and was a step towards making X the "everything" application Elon Musk wants it to be. Earlier this year, the capability made its way to Android devices, but the ability to make calls remained limited to Premium subscribers only.
By the end of January, Musk said that X will make audio-video calling available to everyone as soon as the company is confident that it's robust. We're still being asked to subscribe to X Premium to be able to make calls when we hit the phone icon in DMs, but those who get the update will be able to make calls even if they're not a paying subscriber. The official X support page for the feature now says that all accounts are able to make and receive calls, though both parties must have been in contact via Direct Messaging at least once. In the past, it said only "Premium subscribers have the ability to make audio and video calls."
In addition to announcing the capability's rollout, Barragan revealed that users will now also be able to receive calls from everyone on the app if they want to. Audio and video calls were automatically switched on for us when we checked our DMs' Settings menu, configured so that we can (thankfully) only receive calls from people we follow. We're already seeing the "Everyone" option in there, though, ready to be picked by the most intrepid X users.
we’re slowly rolling out audio and video calling to non premium users, try it out! now you can also choose allow calls from everyone https://t.co/LLH1PwiIg2 pic.twitter.com/LH3HMsAXnv
— Enrique (@enriquebrgn) February 23, 2024
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-starts-giving-non-paying-users-the-ability-to-make-audio-and-video-calls-140049799.html?src=rss
Sarina Tromp
It’s interesting to see X expanding its audio and video calling features to non-premium users. I wonder how this will impact communication within the gaming community, especially during intense matches or tournaments. Excited to see how this new functionality will be utilized by competitive gamers like us!
WhisperShader
@Sarina Tromp, I completely agree! Adding audio and video calling for non-premium users could really improve communication during gaming sessions, especially for strategizing and discussing gameplay in real-time. It will be exciting to see how this new feature enhances teamwork and coordination in competitive matches. Do you think it will change how players communicate during intense gaming sessions?
Abel Glover
I am thrilled to see X rolling out its audio and video calling features to all users. This is a game-changer for the gaming community, especially during intense matches where clear communication is key. As a strategy gamer, I’m eager to use this new functionality to coordinate tactics and improve team coordination in real-time. I can’t wait to see how competitive gamers like us use this feature to enhance our gameplay experience. Excited to see what the future holds with this update!
Marlon Douglas
This new feature is a game-changer for gamers like us! Making audio and video calls without a premium subscription can greatly improve communication during matches or tournaments. It will make coordinating strategies, providing feedback, and bonding with fellow gamers much easier. I’m excited to see how gaming communities will utilize this feature and how it will impact the social side of gaming. Have you tested it out yet, @Sarina Tromp?
CyberVanguard
@Sarina Tromp, I completely agree! The new features being introduced for communication and collaboration in the gaming community are always exciting. The expanded audio and video calling capability will be especially useful for strategizing, discussing tactics, and socializing with other gamers. I’m looking forward to seeing how this new functionality enhances our gaming experiences and the positive impact it might have on our gameplay!