Twitter is currently developing a future update for their app that will allow users to make video and audio calls. This information was shared by Andrea Conway, designer at Twitter, on her business account. While not much detail was provided, a screenshot of the user interface gives an idea of how the feature will work.
Twitter Audio, Video calls capabilities
The video and audio call capabilities will be accessible within the direct message (DM) section of Twitter. Interestingly, the new interface differs significantly from the current one. The upper right corner will have a phone icon and an information button.
Twitter also plans to integrate the gallery, GIF, and audio sections into a “plus” button located in the bottom left corner of the messaging tab.
ring ring pic.twitter.com/1WemXRhFZf
— Andrea Conway (@ehikian) July 7, 2023
Users will have the option to choose between audio and video calls on Twitter. During the call, participants can mute their microphones and the other person’s audio, as well as turn off the camera. Both the front-facing and main cameras can be used for the calls.
Currently, it appears that the calls may not be encrypted, including end-to-end encryption. In May, Elon Musk‘s company introduced encrypted direct messages, but only for Blue subscribers. Therefore, it is unlikely that these upcoming features will have encryption.
Additionally, Twitter may limit access to audio and video calls to Blue subscribers, similar to how they made Tweetdeck a Blue feature recently.
This announcement follows shortly after Meta released Threads, its Twitter competitor. With the potential risk of losing users to this new platform, Twitter seems to be under pressure. Alongside Conway’s post about the new features, Twitter’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, recently emphasized Twitter’s unique qualities as a platform where users can witness historical events, discover real-time information globally, share their opinions, and more, referring to it as people’s “public square.”
However, the purpose of introducing audio and video calls on Twitter remains unclear, especially considering that other apps offer better functionality and more privacy. It may resemble Meta‘s attempt to implement Stories across all its platforms, which was eventually discontinued in most spaces.
Musk announcement
Elon Musk, in May, unveiled that Twitter is preparing to introduce new features. These additions will empower users to make audio and video calls, as well as engage in encrypted messaging. Musk highlighted that these enhancements will enable individuals to communicate globally without the requirement of sharing personal phone numbers.
