The new direct messaging feature, XChat, from X is now being rolled out to beta testers. Certain users who subscribe to X’s premium product have reported access to XChat, and according to reverse engineer Nima Owji, who spoke with TechCrunch, the new messaging system seems ready for launch.
XChat aims to be a more advanced version of X’s current direct messaging feature, which has remained largely unchanged since Elon Musk acquired Twitter.
Several features are rumored to be included in XChat, such as group messaging, end-to-end encryption, vanishing mode, the ability to mark messages as unread, and file sharing. Additionally, messages appear to be secured with a four-digit passcode.
On Thursday, X announced that it would be pausing development of its encrypted direct messaging feature, which may be related to the upcoming release of XChat, as this new system would likely replace the existing direct messaging interface. Paid subscribers to X have had access to a limited version of encrypted messaging for the past two years.
Since acquiring Twitter, Elon Musk has discussed his ambitions to create a Signal-like messaging service integrated into X on multiple occasions. If XChat is indeed preparing for public release, this could be Musk following through on his goal.
