Recently, X (formerly Twitter) updated its private messaging system again, launching a new messaging feature called "XChat." While these updates may seem mundane, the strategic significance behind them may be a key step in realizing Elon Musk's vision of an "Everything App."
This article not only explains what XChat is and what practical features it has updated, but also provides an operation tutorial to help you quickly get started with this potentially revolutionary tool.
What is XChat?
XChat is the name of the latest private messaging system launched by X (formerly Twitter). It's more than just a UI update; it's an upgrade to the underlying communication architecture.
Currently available only to Premium subscribers, it supports end-to-end encryption (E2EE), enhanced privacy controls, and a host of features comparable to mainstream social IM platforms, including chat search, blocking settings, and real-time typing prompts.
Its core features are:
Based on a new backend architecture, it supports stronger performance and data processing;
End -to-end encryption (E2EE) is enabled by default to enhance message privacy;
Integrate future payment and transaction capabilities to become the basic entrance to the X financial system;
Benchmarking the WeChat chat experience is one of the core components of Elon Musk's creation of a "Western super app".
In short, XChat is not only a more user-friendly chat interface, but also Elon's core engine for connecting "social + payment + services".
XChat Update Highlights at a Glance
Currently, many features of XChat are only available to X Premium users, but everyone knows Musk's style - first pay to experience it, then gradually open it up, with the ultimate goal of making everyone "indispensable".
1. Private message search function
Support keyword search for old private message records;
Find chat content more efficiently and say goodbye to the "chat history hell".
2. User blocking function upgrade
Not only can you block accounts, but you can also block DMs from specific users;
Prevent harassment and create a purer chat environment.
3. Real-time input indicator
You can see the other party typing;
A real-time interactive experience similar to WhatsApp and Messenger.
4. Added chat reaction expressions (Inbox Reactions)
Chat messages can be quickly responded to with emoticons;
Enhance the fun of interaction and make the social experience easier.
5. Push notification upgrade
Receive precise notifications when you receive a private message reply or mention;
Never miss important messages again.
Tutorial: How to use XChat's new features
If you are a Premium user, please make sure you have updated your X app to the latest version.
Enable message search function
Open the X app and go to the "Messages" page;
Click the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner;
Enter keywords or user names, and the system will automatically retrieve history records;
Supports fuzzy matching and sorting by time, very practical!
How to block harassing users
Enter a private message conversation with the target user;
Click on the other party's profile picture to enter the details page;
Select "Block messages from this user";
Block with one click and clear your DMs.
Set up advanced push notifications
Open "Settings > Notifications > Messages";
You can customize the type of push notifications you receive (e.g. @mentions only, followers only, etc.);
Support muting a single chat to precisely control information reception.
Why are these updates worth noting?
While these features may seem routine, they are the first critical steps in Elon's vision of "X All-in-One Application":
Message system = Financial hub
Private messaging will not only be a communication tool, but also the entrance to future transfers, collections, customer service, and transaction confirmations.Benchmark against wechat
Elon Musk has explicitly stated his intention to create a "Western version of WeChat." WeChat's success is built on its "chat + payment + service" trinity.Open up detailed functions such as ecological closed-loop
push, search, response, blocking, etc. to safeguard the financial behavior of large-scale users in the future.
Future Outlook: Your X Account, Maybe It Will Replace Banks?
X is secretly developing its payment system, with the following goals:
Create a built-in wallet system;
Support P2P transfers and e-commerce transactions;
Providing financial services to members;
Use X account to complete the complete consumption, payment and financial management closed loop.
Doesn't this sound a bit like "Alipay + WeChat + Twitter"? And this is exactly what Elon Musk is trying to achieve.
Conclusion
Although the current update has limited impact on ordinary users, if you understand and master the new features of XChat early, you will be able to integrate into this "super application" more smoothly in the future.
Update the X app now and try out the new DM search, input suggestions, and push notifications.
