XChat: Revolutionising Messaging on X

X, previously known as Twitter, has made another stride towards Elon Musk’s ambitious vision of transforming into a comprehensive platform with the launch of XChat for select paid users. This new messaging feature presents end-to-end encryption, messages that disappear, extensive file sharing, and audio/video calling, all while X aims to become integral to users’ digital experiences.

Features of XChat

During the announcement on Sunday, Elon Musk referred to XChat as an “entirely new” chat system, which includes “(Bitcoin style) encryption, disappearing messages, and the capability to send various types of files. Additionally, it supports audio/video calling.” Musk stated that the platform’s encryption represents “a completely new architecture,” although further technical details were not provided. As of now, X has not clarified the practical workings of this encryption model.

Testing Phase for XChat

The feature is being trialled among X’s paid subscribers, with messages reportedly secured by a four-digit passcode, as reported by TechCrunch. Screenshots from app researcher Nima Owji suggest that advanced group chats and a “vanishing mode” are supported, indicative of more private communication options to come.

Previous Messaging Features

X had introduced encrypted messaging for its paid users earlier in 2023 but temporarily halted the feature last week for enhancements, potentially in preparation for the XChat launch.

The Drive for Secure Messaging

The push towards private and secure messaging aligns with Musk’s ongoing efforts to redefine X as more than just a platform for viral content and trending conversations. Musk has openly expressed ambitions for X to evolve into an “everything app” similar to China’s WeChat, incorporating private messaging, dating services, digital banking, and more. Last year, Musk highlighted his aspiration to transform X into a “fully fledged” dating site and a digital banking platform by 2024.

Competition in the Super App Space

The competition to create a Western super app is intensifying beyond X. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s venture, World, is working on a verified digital identity network. It recently launched an “App Store” tailored for human-optimised applications and has implemented Orbs, biometric scanners for iris recognition, which currently have over 26 million users.