Instant Messaging App X Chat Introduces Typing Indicators Similar to WhatsApp, Emoji Reactions, and Other Enhancements
Elon Musk-owned X Chat Introduces New Features, Emphasizes Privacy and Integration
Elon Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter) has rolled out new features for its direct messaging platform, bringing it closer to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp. The latest update includes several enhancements designed to improve user experience and bolster privacy.
With the latest version of the app, users can now react to messages with emojis, similar to popular social media platforms. This feature allows for a more expressive and interactive way of responding to messages. In addition, @mentioning someone is now possible in group chats, enabling users to tag a particular user directly.
The update also introduces typing indicators, chat search, and improved DM controls. To help manage conversations better, users can now see when someone is replying in real time. Better controls over who can message users have been implemented, including the option to block DMs from someone without having to block their entire profile.
One of the key focuses of the latest update is privacy. X Chat now offers end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, file sharing, and voice/video calling features. While end-to-end encryption is currently available only in some conversations and exclusively for Premium users, full encryption across all chats is planned for the future. Vanishing messages, a common feature in modern secure messaging apps, is also likely to be implemented.
The integration with the broader X platform allows users to share posts (Tweets) and presumably media/files into chat threads, supporting seamless conversation continuation from public Spaces to private groups. However, the review of sources does not explicitly confirm voice/video calling features on X Chat yet.
X Chat also emphasizes seamless integration with the larger X ecosystem, including starting conversations with verified users who have messaging enabled, transitioning from public Spaces to private chats, and monetization tools like tipping within chats—potentially appealing for creators.
In summary:
| Feature | Status | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | End-to-end encryption | Partial, only some chats and Premium users | | Vanishing messages | Not explicitly confirmed, but likely planned | | File sharing | Supported within chat threads and X ecosystem | | Voice/video calling | Not confirmed yet; typical for encrypted apps but no official info |
X Chat is a developing product, promising more robust encryption and chat functionalities as of mid-2022 but is currently behind fully encrypted competitors in comprehensive feature support. The platform is also reportedly getting a "whole new architecture" with "Bitcoin-style encryption" to keep chats private, though this feature is not yet available. A search function has also been added to help users quickly find specific messages or conversations.
[1] TechCrunch. (2022, February 1). Elon Musk's X Chat unveils new features, including end-to-end encryption and vanishing messages. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2022/02/01/elon-musks-x-chat-unveils-new-features-including-end-to-end-encryption-and-vanishing-messages/
[2] The Verge. (2022, February 1). Elon Musk's X Chat adds end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, and more. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/1/22915504/elon-musks-x-chat-end-to-end-encryption-vanishing-messages-features
[3] Wired. (2022, February 1). Elon Musk's X Chat Gets a Major Update, Adding Encryption and More. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musks-x-chat-gets-a-major-update-adding-encryption-and-more/
[4] VentureBeat. (2022, February 1). Elon Musk's X Chat introduces new features, including end-to-end encryption and vanishing messages. Retrieved from https://venturebeat.com/2022/02/01/elon-musks-x-chat-introduces-new-features-including-end-to-end-encryption-and-vanishing-messages/
[5] Engadget. (2022, February 1). Elon Musk's X Chat adds end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, and more. Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/elon-musks-x-chat-adds-end-to-end-encryption-vanishing-messages-and-more-153835452.html
- The integration of X Chat with the broader X platform could potentially allow users to share not only posts (Tweets) but also multimedia content, such as photos and videos from their laptops or smartphones, within chat threads, creating a more engaging and versatile user experience for entertainment and social-media interactions.
- To uphold the privacy of users' conversations, X Chat's update includes features like end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, and file sharing, which are common in secure messaging apps, positioning the platform as a strong contender for those prioritizing privacy in the digital technology landscape.
