X has released a completely rebuilt Android application, aiming to improve performance and feature development speed after a year of work.
Key facts
- •The new Android app was built from scratch using a Kotlin and Jetpack Compose stack.
- •X head of product Nikita Bier characterized the project as one of the largest engineering feats in the company's history.
- •The app currently lacks support for Spaces, with updates to add this feature still underway.
- •The company reported a significant spike in Android downloads during October of last year.
- •Existing users can access the new version by updating their current app through the Google Play Store.
X has officially released a new version of its Android application, marking the completion of a nearly year-long project to rebuild the platform from the ground up. The company stated the new app is designed to address previous performance issues and provide a more reliable experience for users. The update is now available for download via the Google Play Store.
Development and Engineering
The project, described by X head of product Nikita Bier as one of the largest engineering efforts in the company's history, involved moving to a Kotlin and Jetpack Compose stack. The company sought to modernize the app's foundation to improve core functions such as scrolling, loading, and notifications. According to Bier, the rebuild was necessary to move beyond simple updates and allow the team to implement new features more rapidly.
Current Limitations and Future Updates
Despite the release, the company acknowledged that some features remain in development. Currently, the app lacks support for Spaces, X’s live audio feature, and requires further optimization for older Android devices. X plans to introduce additional functionality in future updates, including a new video editor, react-with-video capabilities, cashtags, and custom timelines.
Strategic Importance
The Android platform has been a priority for X, particularly following a surge in downloads observed in October. By addressing long-standing performance issues—which previously included failures to load posts—the company aims to improve its standing in global markets where Android is the dominant operating system. The new architecture is intended to support the company's recent push for new features, such as X Money and X Chat.
Timeline
- August 2023X head of product Nikita Bier announced the formation of an Android 'dream team' to reshape the app experience.
- October 2023X recorded one of its largest weeks ever for Android downloads.
- MondayX officially shipped the rebuilt Android application to the Google Play Store.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TechCrunch.
