Latest news with #XChat
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Elon Musk's XChat feature enables audio, video calls on X without a phone number
Synopsis XChat's encrypted feature is similar to what Meta Platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram are trying to achieve. WhatsApp uses a protocol for full end-to-end encryption. Messenger and Instagram are rolling out E2E encryption across chats gradually. The shift highlights a broader trend towards user privacy and autonomy.
India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Elon Musk's X launches XChat: Features encryption, vanishing texts and will let you send any kind of file
Elon Musk's platform X is launching a new messaging feature called XChat, bringing end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, and the ability to send any type of file. The feature, which is currently available only to beta testers, was announced by Musk on Sunday in a series of posts on the platform. 'All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file,' Musk said, adding that it also includes audio and video calling. What sets XChat apart, according to him, is that it uses 'Bitcoin-style encryption' and is built on a 'whole new architecture' using the Rust programming language. advertisementMusk also confirmed that users will be able to make audio and video calls without linking a phone number, and across all platforms. The feature appears to be a major upgrade of X's existing direct messages (DMs), and comes just days after the company paused encrypted messaging. In a brief update on May 29, X said it was temporarily disabling the feature to make 'some improvements,' hinting at bigger changes ahead. It now seems that the pause was in preparation for the rollout of XChat. While X has yet to officially publish a blog post or detailed FAQ on the new feature, reverse engineer and app researcher Nimo Owji has been tracking its development. As early as April 18, Owji shared a screenshot showing a 'vanishing mode' within XChat, offering timers ranging from five minutes to one day before messages from TechCrunch confirm that the current version of XChat is being tested by a small group of early users. There is no official word yet on when it will roll out to the wider public, or whether all features will be made available to free users. Many users on X have also been sharing screenshots of the early access to the app. Encrypted messaging was first introduced on X in May 2023, but it was limited to subscribers. That marked a significant change in how messaging worked on the platform. Before Musk took over in 2022, DMs were open to all users. But over the past couple of years, X has steadily moved more features behind a paywall. Even two-factor authentication via SMS is now limited to paid XChat may seem like a straightforward feature update, it is part of Musk's broader ambition to turn X into an 'everything app.' Drawing inspiration from China's WeChat, Musk has previously said he wants X to become a one-stop solution for messaging, payments, dating, and more. In a company-wide meeting last year, he mentioned plans to soon turn X into a digital bank and dating platform. The addition of secure, versatile messaging options like XChat appears to be a key part of that separate news, on May 31, X experienced a major outage in the US, leaving tens of thousands unable to access the app. Downdetector reported over 34,000 user complaints, most related to the mobile app. Some users were greeted with a welcome message as if they were signing in for the first time. Just days earlier, Indian users had reported similar issues with the In
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Elon Musk's X Rolls Out XChat with Encrypted Messaging, Vanishing Texts, and File Sharing
Elon Musk is once again steering his social media platform X in a bold new direction with the launch of XChat, a revamped messaging service promising Bitcoin-style encryption, disappearing messages, and the ability to send virtually any kind of file. The feature, still in its beta testing phase, was announced by Musk himself in a series of posts over the weekend. 'All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file,' Musk shared on X. The new tool also includes audio and video calling, marking a major upgrade to X's existing direct messaging system. Notably, Musk emphasized that XChat will allow users to communicate without linking a phone number, supporting cross-platform functionality—another step toward increased privacy and flexibility. According to Musk, XChat has been developed using the Rust programming language and is built on a completely new architecture, a departure from previous systems. Its "Bitcoin-style encryption" suggests a blockchain-inspired, secure approach to data protection, although full technical details have not yet been disclosed. The announcement comes shortly after X temporarily disabled encrypted DMs, citing internal improvements. On May 29, the company noted the pause was to implement updates. It now appears this short break was laying the groundwork for the XChat rollout. While the company hasn't yet published a formal blog post or FAQ, tech insiders and app researchers have been tracking the development of the new feature. Reverse engineer Nimo Owji had already spotted signs of XChat in April, posting screenshots of a 'vanishing mode' that offers customizable message timers ranging from five minutes to 24 hours. According to TechCrunch, the beta version of XChat is currently available to a small group of early testers. There's no confirmed release timeline for a wider launch or clarity on which features might remain exclusive to premium users. Still, many on the platform are already sharing sneak peeks and impressions. X first introduced encrypted messaging in May 2023, though it was limited to paying subscribers. Under Musk's leadership, the platform has increasingly shifted key features behind a paywall, including SMS-based two-factor authentication. Now, XChat seems poised to further expand premium capabilities while also aligning with Musk's larger vision for the platform. The rollout of XChat ties into Musk's grander ambition of transforming X into an 'everything app' akin to China's WeChat. Musk has previously stated his goal is for X to support messaging, payments, dating, and even banking—all under one roof. During a company-wide meeting last year, he outlined plans for X to eventually function as both a digital bank and a dating platform. In separate news, X recently faced a significant outage on May 31 across the United States. More than 34,000 user complaints were logged on Downdetector, primarily from mobile app users. Some users reported being shown welcome screens as though signing in for the first time. Just days earlier, similar issues had affected users in India. With the launch of XChat, X continues to evolve rapidly under Musk's direction, pushing boundaries in communication, privacy, and the broader social media experience.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk announces XChat: Encrypted messaging, audio & video calls and other things to know
Elon Musk has announced the launch of Chat, a new and direct messaging (DM) feature on X (formerly Twitter). Tesla CEO claims that the new XChat feature of the platform will offer Bitcoin-style encryption , disappearing messages and cross-platform audio and video calls. The move aims to address user demands for more secure and versatile private messaging capabilities within the platform. 'All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file. Also, audio/video is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, whole new architecture,' wrote Musk on X. How is XChat different from its rivals Elon Musk revealed that XChat is built on Rust, a programming language known for its speed and security, and employs encryption methods similar to Bitcoin's protocol to enhance privacy and data protection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Key features of XChat Key features of XChat include: End-to-End Encryption – Ensuring secure conversations. Vanishing Messages – Users can set timers for messages to disappear. File Sharing – Ability to send any type of file. Audio & Video Calls – Works across platforms without requiring a phone number. This addition positions X to directly compete with established messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, which already offer encrypted voice and video functionalities. The launch of XChat follows X's recent pause on encrypted DMs, signaling a complete overhaul of its messaging system. The feature is currently available to beta testers, with a wider rollout expected soon. Musk has long expressed ambitions to transform X into a multi-functional platform, integrating payments, messaging, and more—similar to China's WeChat. The introduction of XChat with these advanced features aligns with that broader goal.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk just dropped 'Bitcoin-style' XChat, and the community is losing it
Elon Musk just dropped 'Bitcoin-style' XChat, and the community is losing it originally appeared on TheStreet. Elon Musk is doubling down on privacy. In his latest update for X (formerly Twitter), the billionaire CEO announced XChat — a new encrypted messaging feature that will support audio/video calls, vanishing messages, and all-file sharing. 'The all new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages, and the ability to send any kind of file. Also, audio/video calling,' Musk posted on X. He added that the system is built on a 'whole new architecture' with 'Bitcoin-style encryption' — hinting at a more decentralized, cryptographically secure infrastructure, though no technical details were provided. The move is part of Musk's broader effort to transform X into a privacy-forward 'everything app.' While Musk didn't elaborate on what 'Bitcoin-style encryption' actually means, the phrase has sent crypto communities into full meltdown mode. 'Bro, if this is even half as secure as Bitcoin wallets, we're about to see Telegram get wrecked,' wrote one user on the CryptoLeaks Discord. "XChat + no phone number + vanishing mode?? Elon just gave OPSEC its biggest W,' said another in a Solana DEX server. A third user posted, 'You're telling me I can now send airdrop links, memes, and seed phrases without getting doxxed? God bless this man.' While announcing a separate payments feature X Money last week, which will launch in beta later this year — Musk emphasized the platform's cautious approach: 'This will be a very limited access beta at first. When people's saving are involved, extreme care must be taken.' The new wave of tools seems to suggest X wants to rival apps like Signal, Telegram, and even China's WeChat — combining finance, messaging, and social media under one encrypted roof. Elon Musk just dropped 'Bitcoin-style' XChat, and the community is losing it first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
