The recent name change of Twitter, originally known as X.com, has caused quite a stir online. Now, when you go to X.com, you will be taken to Twitter.com, even though the platform still promotes “tweeting” by users.
Another important development in Twitter’s continuing metamorphosis may be seen in this makeover. Formerly a digital hangout for the well-connected, CEO Linda Yaccarino wants Twitter to be an “everything” app.
“X represents the next level of unrestricted interactivity,” claims Yaccarino, “focused around audio, payments/banking, video, messaging, and creating a worldwide marketplace for goods, ideas, services, and opportunities. A.I.-powered X will connect us all in ways still in their infancy.
What does this mean for X now that Elon Musk is in charge and attempting to remake Twitter, a business he bought in 2022 for an astounding $44 billion?
X App’s New Horizon: What’s in Store?
Elon Musk has the lofty ambition of making Twitter a super-app similar to WeChat in China. Although there has yet to be a comparable service in America, industry insiders believe the app will offer access to almost all internet activities.
The chief strategy officer of the marketing company Tinuiti, Nii Ahene, explains that a wide range of alternatives will be available to customers on the platform. They can shop, view videos, and more. They can also listen to podcasts. Users of Twitter may already send longer texts, show movies, and participate in live voice discussions.
Suppose their experiment with paid memberships is successful. In that case, they might even distribute some of the subscription earnings to users, potentially developing into a more widely used variation of websites like Patreon.
The Enigma of the Letter X: Delving into its Meaning
Musk’s affinity with the letter X is obvious in some projects, including his space exploration company SpaceX, the artificial intelligence software xAI, and Tesla’s original Model X electric vehicle. Even his son from his relationship with artist Grimes has the last name, X.
Despite the name change, Twitter’s redesign is merely a name change.
According to Musk’s product philosophy of building buzz first and delivering afterwards, no new functionality has been added.
Implications for Twitter: What Lies Ahead?
However, the action indicates that Musk will continue to run the business for the foreseeable future. Mandeep Singh, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, claims that the name change shows that selling the company to a different owner is no longer an option.
Hurdles to Overcome: The Roadblocks Ahead”
There may be obstacles to Twitter becoming an “everything app,” including user confusion and difficulties luring enough advertisers. While Tesla has benefited from Musk’s conviction in the power of exceptional products without much advertising, Twitter’s reliance on advertisers may differ.
The platform might become less dependent on advertising if expanded to incorporate paid subscription content and online shopping. However, it would necessitate large investments in personnel and infrastructure. It is a challenging task for a business that has already laid off a sizable percentage of its workforce and is being sued repeatedly for unpaid invoices.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s metamorphosis of Twitter into “X” contains enormous promise but also faces formidable obstacles to becoming a multidimensional and flourishing super-app.
