# Block unveils speech-trained AI model for more natural conversations

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/jack-dorseys-block-made-an-ai-model-that-talks-to-you-like-an-awkward-new-friend/
- Published: 2026-10-23T19:32:39+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T19:47:59+00:00
- Original publisher: The Verge
- Original article: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1017906/jack-dorsey-block-dessa-ai-voice-speech
- Topics: AI, Technology

## Key points

- Block unveiled its speech-to-speech model Dessa.
- It learns from human speech without written text.
- Early access will go to AI safety researchers.

## Summary

Block has introduced Dessa, a voice AI model trained from scratch on human conversation, and says it can speak directly with people without converting their words into text. The project explores whether learning from speech alone can make AI conversations feel more natural and help systems recognise emotion, which Block argues could improve safety.

Demonstrations show mostly fluent exchanges, but also awkward moments: Dessa initially mistakes a speaker for someone named Ronaldo and veers off topic during a discussion of films. Block says the model can run locally on a MacBook Pro M4 Max or better, and plans to give early access to a small group of AI safety researchers.

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