Elon Musk's businesses are different from one another. He has Tesla, X, SpaceX, and Neuralink. Little did we know that the richest man in the world has also a plan to challenge Google's Gmail.
Since acquiring Twitter, which is now rebranded as X, Musk has made steps to make the app more of an "everything app." This includes adding job postings, payment options, and a free AI chatbot known as Grok. However, speculations continue about the development of X Mail, an email service that will soon rival the popular Gmail app.
X Mail: Here Comes Gmail's Future Competitor
Speculation about Musk's email ambitions began when an X user posted the idea, "X Mail would be cool," proposing the format "username@x.com."
Musk's succinct response—"That's exactly what we are going to do"—added fuel to the fire. He has hinted at this concept before, mentioning in February 2024 that an email service is "coming."
That's exactly what we are going to do
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 16, 2024
According to initial information shared by Musk and X staff, X Mail is going to resemble a messaging-style interface, almost like social media direct messages. There will be no email threads and formatting like in a traditional email, but maybe just plain-text inboxes to make communication efficient and simple.
When we making XMail?
— Nate (@natemcgrady) February 22, 2024
What's So Special About X Mail?
Unlike Gmail's feature-rich ecosystem, X Mail aims to simplify email interaction. By eliminating cluttered threads and offering a plain-text DM-style format, Musk envisions an alternative to the often-complicated traditional email systems. This could appeal to users who value streamlined communication.
TBH i'd just like an email address that goes into a plain txt DM inbox and abstracts the annoying & messy threads/formatting mess that is email
— Ross (@rpoo) December 16, 2024
the main nice thing about email is that it is a universal handle system and compatible with everything so you dont have to download a... https://t.co/qNpwh2DhoA
However, while simplicity is appealing, X Mail's success will hinge on functionality, according to Android Police. Gmail's dominance stems from its popular features, such as:
- Advanced Search Tools: Finding any email instantly.
- Seamless access to productivity tools in the form of Docs, Sheets, and Calendar.
- Top-level security against phishing and spam.
Can X Mail Topple Gmail?
Gmail has more than 1.8 billion active users worldwide, which is significantly lodged in Google's ecosystem. But X Mail's minimalist look would attract those who are exasperated by the complexity involved in traditional emails. Thus, it cannot easily overthrow the top position of Gmail as no improved security, cross-platform connectivity, and organizational features are developed or on the way.
This, on top of that, makes us wonder whether X Mail is some concrete project or just an idea. Musk's strategies often involve gauging public interest before committing resources, and thus its development may rest on user demand.
Is It Just a Thought or an Ambitious Move?
It's up to Musk if he will make X Mail a reality or if it will just remain a concept in his mind. When X Mail launches, if it happens, it would be for niche audiences seeking an alternative to the traditional email format. Taking on the market share of Gmail would be a Herculean task, however.
At this point, users will just have to wait and see if Musk delivers on the promise to reinvent email—or if it's just another item on his ambitious "to-do" list.
In the meantime, Musk and his X staff need to focus on encouraging users to come back to the platform.
However, that won't be a piece of cake since the post-election exodus left a ripple effect on the number of subscribers. As Tech Times reported recently, more users are expected to leave X by 2025. This opportunity will give Bluesky more room to welcome new people on the platform.
