Elon Musk joins the battle of streaming platforms: X TV Beta version goes live

Elon Musk has recently entered the battle of the home streaming platform! Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X. After changing the blue bird logo, massive layoffs, the blue checkmark controversy, and offending Jewish and left-wing individuals in a big mess, there is much curiosity about how Musk will turn X into a profitable venture or what new direction X will take. The latest news is that Musk aims to become a media tycoon by launching X TV to enter the home streaming video system. The beta version of X TV has been launched, and a few people are already able to watch it, sparking controversy immediately.

X TV's Menu Features Musk's Selections

According to a report by journalist Danny Gallagher from Engadget, the beta version of X TV is only available on some Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and LG TVs, with a default program menu featuring shows that align with Musk's personal preferences, along with trailers and videos from Tesla and SpaceX. The original program menu includes conservative former Fox anchor Tucker Carlson's personal talk show. To watch X TV, users need to log in with an X social platform account, where they will see the system's displayed program menu, filled with political commentary shows that match Musk's taste.

Earlier this year, Musk also invited former CNN star anchor Don Lemon, who was let go by CNN, to host a new show on X. However, it was later reported that due to a lack of a signed contract and only a verbal agreement, Lemon even sued Musk and X for fraud and breach of contract.

Musk's vision for X TV is to create a video streaming platform that can rival YouTube. X's CEO Linda Yaccarino claims that X will be a video-first platform. Before being appointed by Musk, Linda Yaccarino served as the Chair of NBCUniversal's International Advertising Partnerships. Musk's recruitment of top executives from traditional TV stations seems to indicate a strategic move into the home video streaming arena.

X TV Allows Viewing of Videos Uploaded by X Social Platform Users

At Musk's invitation, well-known YouTube star Mr. Beast released his first long-form video on X, revealing curiosity about how much revenue this video's traffic could generate. X's revenue model involves revenue sharing with creators. However, the video was pushed onto X's feed without being labeled as an advertisement or sponsored video, leaving many users feeling compelled to watch.

The newly launched Beta version of X TV will feature a new function that allows viewers to watch videos uploaded by X social platform users and internet live streams on their home TV systems without the need for internet access via Apple or Android phones.

After taking over the X social platform, Musk has offended many advertising clients. By establishing a TV station that can enter more mainstream home video systems and integrating social media with television for real-time broadcasting, Musk aims to attract a broader traditional TV audience.

Despite the high level of skepticism surrounding X TV, Musk's most powerful weapon is Starlink, which ensures uninterrupted news and information through satellites. The future will reveal what kind of menu Musk's X TV will offer to viewers.