XChat Beta: X (Twitter) Introduces New DM Feature with Advanced Capabilities

X's New DM Feature, XChat, Rolls Out in Beta

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has begun rolling out its new direct messaging feature, XChat, to beta testers. This development signals a significant overhaul of the platform's existing messaging system, which has been in place since before Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter.

Key Features and Rumors

While official details are still emerging, reports and observations from beta testers and reverse engineers suggest that XChat will offer a more robust and feature-rich messaging experience. Some of the rumored and observed features include:

• Enhanced Group Chats: XChat is expected to support more advanced group messaging functionalities.
• Vanishing Mode: A feature allowing messages to disappear after a set period, similar to other popular messaging apps.
• End-to-End Encryption: While X recently paused work on its own encrypted DM feature, XChat may incorporate end-to-end encryption, potentially rendering the previous efforts obsolete.
• Mark as Unread: The ability to mark messages as unread, a common feature for managing conversations.
• File Sharing: Enhanced capabilities for sharing files within direct messages.
• Passcode Security: Messages within XChat appear to be secured behind a four-digit passcode, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Context and Implications

The rollout of XChat comes at an interesting time for X's messaging strategy. The company recently announced a pause on its encrypted DM feature, which had been available to verified users for two years with some security drawbacks. The development of XChat, with its potential for enhanced security and features, could be the reason for this pause, as it might make the existing DM interface redundant.

Elon Musk has frequently expressed his ambition to transform X into a comprehensive