- XChat integrates with the X social network and replaces traditional direct messages.
- Allows encrypted messaging, large files, ephemeral messages, and calls without numbers.
- The infrastructure uses Rust and Bitcoin-inspired cryptography to enhance security.
- The goal is to transform X into a 'super app', WeChat style, integrating various services.
The world of instant messaging has just added a new player that promises to redraw the map: Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a solution that is integrated into the social network X—previously known as Twitter—and which represents the evolution of traditional direct messages into a true communications center. Musk's venture aims to offer a robust and private alternative to established apps like WhatsApp and Telegram., seeking to capture the attention of those who prioritize the privacy and the versatility in his conversations.
The arrival of XChat is not a one-off step, but rather part of a major strategy for turn X into a 'super app' capable of bringing together messaging, payment, e-commerce, social media, and even artificial intelligence services under one roof. The launch, officially announced on June 2, has generated expectations both for its technical features and its operating philosophy.
Main features and new features of XChat
The core of XChat is focused on security and flexibility.: integrates a system of end-to-end encrypted messaging, uses cryptography similar to that of blockchain networks like Bitcoin and relies on the Rust programming language, known for its robustness and resistance to security flaws. Each user, in this model, has a public key and a private key.: Messages are encrypted with the recipient's public key, ensuring that only the recipient can access the content, even if the transmission is intercepted.
- Ephemeral messages: Users can send messages that disappear after being read or after a certain amount of time.
- Voice and video calls without a phone number: Communications can be initiated directly from a chat, without relying on any mobile number linked to the account.
- Sending files without strict format or size restrictions: Higher limits than usual have been reported for other services, with transfers of up to 2GB in preliminary versions.
- Encrypted group chats and options for voice messages, emoji reactions, and additional password protection.
Name XChat reinforces the new identity of the social network since the arrival of Musk, who has been insisting for some time that X must become an 'app for everything' in the image of China's WeChat. The functionality is currently available on mobile versions, although not all users have access: it is first enabled for paying subscribers and some selected beta testers, while Free users encounter limitations on group calls and sending certain formats..
Privacy, Bitcoin-style encryption, and differences with WhatsApp
The architecture of XChat, as Musk himself has explained, incorporates a advanced privacy and a decentralized approach. Although there has been talk of “Bitcoin-style encryption,” this term has generated some controversy: what is actually adopted is a model of public key cryptography similar to that which protects blockchain transactions, rather than traditional encryption.
Compared to WhatsApp, which requires a phone number to operate, XChat only requires having an account on X. This adds greater flexibility and an additional level of anonymity for the most demanding users. Plus, the option for self-destructing messages and the ability to send large files make XChat a competitor that goes beyond the basic features of its competitors.
The launch of XChat, in the words of CEO Linda Yaccarino, is part of a long-term vision: Integrate messaging, digital payments, commerce, and social media into a single ecosystemAgreements have already been announced, such as the one reached with Visa, to facilitate money transfers between X users, and integration with artificial intelligence tools such as Grok, the platform's own chatbot.
Access limitations and future plans
Currently, the deployment of XChat is in a progressive phase. Not all users can access all featuresThose not subscribed to X Premium are limited in their use of group calls, ephemeral messaging, and free file sharing. Musk has emphasized that global expansion will depend on technical stability and the ability to scale the platform without impacting the user experience.
This breakthrough represents an important step in the transformation of XThe company is looking to consolidate its user base and attract those who demand privacy, security, and new forms of digital communication. If XChat can overcome technical challenges and offer compelling features, it could establish itself as a significant player in the fragmented instant messaging market.
The competition will not be easy: WhatsApp far exceeds 2.000 billion active users, but XChat is committed to innovation, enhanced privacy and an integrated environment with various services in a single application. Acceptance will ultimately depend on users, who will decide whether XChat can differentiate itself from its larger rivals.
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