On Sunday, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk rolled out a new encrypted messaging and calling tool embedded within the site called XChat, in order to keep up with his goal of turning social media platform X (previously Twitter) into an all-in-one digital ecosystem.
XChat was called “all new” on X, in a post by Elon Musk. Musk pointed out the privacy-focused features, which include audio and video calls from multiple platforms, vanishing messages, as well as end-to-end encrypted chats. None of the above require users to register with a phone number.
A select group of paying subscribers are now able to access the platform in beta mode.
Musk asserted that the encryption methods in XChat are modeled after Bitcoin-style cryptography and described the new tool as operating on “a whole new architecture.” Technical details of the encryption technique have not been made public, despite the fact that the announcement has created excitement in the computer community.
In his post, Musk described XChat as “private and secure by design,” describing it as a possible competitor to Meta-owned WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, all of which provide different levels of end-to-end encryption.
The introduction aligns with the increasing demand for safe digital communication tools around the world. Although certain platforms, like WhatsApp and Signal, have made end-to-end encryption (E2EE) an everyday feature, but other platforms like Instagram and Messenger, are still implementing encrypted choices step by step.
As part of a change in its messaging architecture, X has added features like “vanishing mode” and enhanced group chat capabilities in recent months. These modifications are thought to have culminated in XChat, which aims to draw users who are worried about data protection and online privacy.
According to early beta testers, a 4-digit passcode mechanism protects XChat communications, providing an additional degree of security for individuals who would rather remain anonymous.
With its foray into the congested messaging app market, XChat now faces off against Telegram and WhatsApp, two of the industry leaders. Notably, Musk takes a different tack by doing away with the need for a phone number entirely, establishing XChat as a more private and anonymous option.
According to industry observers, X may differentiate itself from its rivals by incorporating encrypted chat into a larger social networking platform. This is notably accurate if XChat is effortlessly fused with payments and other app features that Musk has alluded to in recent months.
The overall aim of Musk is to develop X into what he calls as a “everything app.” This idea was fostered by WeChat, which is a Chinese software. we chat integrates texting, social media, banking, ride-hailing, and dating into one platform.
By the end of 2024, Musk hopes to have X transformed into a multipurpose hub with features like dating services and digital payments.
Musk has made significant modifications to Twitter since purchasing it in late 2022. These include changing the platform’s name to X, adding paid subscription tiers, AI-generated content tools, and an expanding range of services meant to boost user engagement and revenue.
It’s unclear if XChat will be able to take on established competitors in the encrypted texting market. Nonetheless, Musk’s action represents yet another audacious step in his quest to transform the digital communications environment.
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