Elon Musk’s company, formerly known as Twitter and now called X, has initiated a rebranding process for its social media service. As part of this exercise, the popular tool TweetDeck has been renamed to XPro, adopting the @Pro handle instead of @TweetDeck.
However, some parts of the tool, including the help page, still contain references to “Twitter” and “TweetDeck.” The renaming was not unexpected, as Musk had previously hinted at the change. He also mentioned that XPro would include “a wide range of psy op plugins.” However, the specifics of these plugins were not disclosed, consistent with Musk’s usual style of vague messaging.
Early last month, TweetDeck faced accessibility issues, prompting the company to prompt users to switch to the new version of the tool. Additionally, they announced that within 30 days, only verified users would retain access to TweetDeck. After the announcement on July 4, it is expected that X will proceed with its plan to transition XPro/TweetDeck into a paid-only feature in the near future.
Musk & Co.’s undertaking of the rebranding process for XPro/TweetDeck has been a topic of widespread interest and speculation in the tech and social media spheres. The move comes as part of the company’s larger strategy to revitalize its social media service and cater to a diverse audience of users.
However, the rebranding journey has not been without its fair share of challenges and controversies. The acquisition of the @x handle from its previous owner raised eyebrows in the online community, with some questioning the ethics of such a move without offering any compensation or prior notice. This incident brought attention to the complexities of social media account ownership and the potential issues surrounding the transfer of coveted handles.
Another intriguing aspect of the rebranding was Apple’s apparent exception to its usual policy of prohibiting single-character app names on the App Store. The fact that the tech giant made an allowance for the Musk-owned company sparked debates on the level playing field for app developers and the power dynamics between industry giants and smaller players.
Moreover, the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection’s intervention regarding the flashing “X” sign displayed on the company’s office building added to the spectacle. The flashing sign received complaints from residents in the vicinity, leading to questions about how a tech company’s branding efforts intersect with urban aesthetics and public opinion.
Despite these hurdles, Musk & Co. appears undeterred in its pursuit of transforming XPro/TweetDeck into a paid-only feature. The company seems intent on positioning itself as a premium platform that offers a suite of exclusive features and benefits to its verified users. As the clock ticks down to the expected transition, there is growing anticipation among users and industry observers regarding the pricing structure and the extent of the additional features that will be made available in the paid version.
The rebranding endeavor has certainly added a layer of intrigue and drama to the already dynamic world of social media and technology. As Musk & Co. navigate through the complexities of their transformation strategy, the outcome of the rebranding remains a hot topic of discussion, sparking curiosity and speculation about the future trajectory of XPro/TweetDeck and the impact it will have on the broader social media landscape.
