Elon Musk recently launched a new private messaging feature named XChat, which is integrated into the X app (formerly Twitter). It aims to transform X into an all-in-one platform, similar to China’s WeChat.
Musk’s vision for X is to evolve it into a comprehensive “everything app,” integrating social media, messaging, payments, and more into a single platform. XChat is a significant step toward this goal, aiming to compete with established apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
Key Features
Audio & Video Calls: Can make voice and video calls without their phone numbers, using their X handle instead.
End-to-End Encryption: XChat employs “Bitcoin-style” encryption, enhancing privacy by securing messages and calls.
Here, bitcoin-style refers to that,
- Each user has a private key (kept secret) and a public key (shared with others).
- Messages are encrypted with the recipient’s public key and can only be decrypted with their private key.
Disappearing Messages: Messages can be set to disappear after being read, adding an extra layer of privacy.
File Sharing: Supports sending all types of files, easy to communicate.
Group Chats: Users can create and manage group conversations.
Works on all devices: XChat is accessible on Android, iOS, Mac, and PC, ensuring seamless communication across devices.
“Telegram with more features than WhatsApp hasn’t killed the app, then it’s this one which will? I’ve seen many apps and social media platforms come and go. I will see more do the same,” a public responded to XChat.
