The platform of Elon Musk is launching a new messaging feature called X Xchat, which is bringing the ability to send end-to-end encryption, fading messages and any type of file. This feature, which is currently available only to beta testers, was declared by Musk on a series of posts on Sunday. Musk said, “All new Xchat encryption, rolling out with fading messages and the ability to send any file, also include audio and video calling. To separate Xchat, according to him, it is that it uses “bitcoin-style encryption” and is created on “whole new architecture” using the rust programming language.

Musk also confirmed that the user would be able to make audio and video calls without adding the phone number, and a phone number to all platforms.

This feature appears to be a major upgradation of the existing direct messages (DMS) of X, and comes only a few days after the company stops encrypted messaging. In a brief update on 29 May, X stated that it was temporarily disabled to make “some improvements”, pointing to big changes further. Now it seems that the stagnation was preparing for the rollout of Xchat.

While the X has officially published a blog post or a detailed FAQ at a new feature, reverse engineers and app researcher Nimo Ovji is monitoring its development. In early 18 April, Owji shared a screenshot showing an “extinct mode” within Xchat, offering from five minutes to one day before the message disappeared.

Report from Tekkachchan Confirm that the current version of Xchat is being tested by a small group of initial users. There is no official term yet, when it will roll out to wider public, or whether all the features will be made available to free users. Many users on X are also sharing screenshots of the initial access of the app.

Encrypted messaging was first introduced on X in May 2023, but it was limited to customers. This marked a significant change in messaging work on the stage. Musk took over in 2022, before the DMs were open to all users. But in the last few years, X has continuously transferred more features behind a pavall. Even two-factor authentication through SMS is now limited to paid accounts.

Although Xchat may look like a direct feature update, it is part of the wide ambition of the musc to convert X to “everything app”. Taking inspiration from the Vichat of China, Musk has earlier stated that he wants an X-messaging, payment, dating, and more to become a-stop solution. In a company-wide meeting last year, he soon mentioned a plan to convert X into digital bank and dating platforms. In addition to a safe, versatile message options like Xchat, it appears to have an important part of that strategy.

In separate news, on 31 May, X experienced a big outage in the US, unable to reach the app to tens of thousands. DowDeTector reported more than 34,000 users complaints, which belong to the mobile app. Some users were congratulated with a welcome message as if they were signing for the first time. A few days ago, Indian users reported similar issues with the app.