X's Video Calls: A Zoom Rival or Just Another Feature?

X, formerly known as Twitter, is poised to launch a new video conferencing feature, aiming to provide Zoom-like functionality within the platform. A recent tweet by X engineer Chris Park showcases a working version of the video conferencing platform, which Elon Musk claims is already being used for internal meetings at the company.

This upcoming feature will be accessible via a dedicated "Conferences" section in the platform's right-hand function bar, offering full video streaming for all participants.

While the number of participants displayed on screen remains undisclosed, X's existing video calling option, launched in February, currently supports a limited number of participants, likely only four. This suggests that the upcoming conference call feature could initially be restricted to a small number of participants, though the company might expand this limit in future updates to compete with established platforms like Zoom.

This update aligns with Musk's ambitious vision for X to evolve into an "everything app" that caters to users' interactive and transactional needs within a single platform. Musk has previously stated his intention to replace his phone with X, suggesting the app will eventually be able to handle all of his telecommunication requirements.

However, the effectiveness of this vision remains debatable. While the introduction of video conferencing and other features may be appealing, X faces the challenge of convincing users to rely on it for tasks they currently accomplish through other platforms.

For example, while X aims to replace phone calls, users are accustomed to their existing smartphones and the plethora of services they offer, including access to X itself. Similarly, X's proposed payments and banking features might struggle to compete with established players in those markets.

Offering long-form article posting on X may also cannibalise potential revenue streams generated from other platforms, like personal blogs or mailing lists.

Ultimately, the success of X's "everything app" vision hinges on whether Musk can convince users that the platform provides a superior or more convenient alternative to existing solutions. The newly announced video conference feature, while potentially useful for those heavily invested in X, might not be enough to sway users currently satisfied with existing alternatives like Zoom or Google Meet.

The update, despite its potential, highlights a recurring question surrounding X's evolution: Can Elon Musk successfully create an all-encompassing platform, and if so, will users embrace it? Only time will tell whether X's new video calling feature will entice users to shift their communication habits, or merely remain another feature within a platform that continues to seek its place in the digital landscape.