Elon Musk to Launch XChat, a Competitor to WhatsApp

Key Highlights

Elon Musk introduces XChat, featuring end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, and cross-platform audio/video calls without requiring a phone number.

Built on Rust, XChat aims to transform X into an all-in-one app, challenging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. 

Elon Musk's X platform has added a new messaging feature called XChat. Users will be able to use this feature to send any type of file, as well as end-to-end encryption and auto-delete messages. This feature is currently available in beta.

Elon Musk announced the feature in a post on Sunday, June 1.

The post reads: "All new XChat is rolling out, including encryption, vanishing messages, and the ability to send any type of file. There's also audio and video calling. This is built on Rust and uses (Bitcoin-style) encryption, as well as a completely new architecture. You can make audio/video calls without a phone number on all platforms.

XChat is currently in its testing phase

According to TechCrunch, XChat is in the testing phase, with some testing taking place on a select group of people. However, the company has not yet announced when it will be available to the general public.

In 2023, the X platform launched its encrypted messaging service, which was initially available to a limited number of people.

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Competition with WhatsApp

XChat includes all of the features found in WhatsApp, an instant messaging app. However, WhatsApp requires users to log in using their mobile numbers, whereas XChat does not.

End-to-end encryption

End-to-End Encryption is a security system designed to securely transmit data between the sender and the receiver. Nobody in between can decode it. For example, when you send a message to someone, it is encrypted on your device. It is then transferred over the internet. When the message reaches the receiver, it is decrypted. This feature is available on messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.