Block introduces Dessa, a speech-only, full-duplex conversation model; the company says it runs on a MacBook Pro M4 Max or better. Early access is limited to selected AI safety researchers.

Block’s original Dessa demonstration interface shows synchronized human and model audio tracks, including conversational timing and laughter markers.

Published 23 Oct 2026 · 19:37 UTC

Block ↗ · Source dated 23 Oct 2026

Block introduces Dessa, a speech-only, full-duplex conversation model; the company says it runs on a MacBook Pro M4 Max or better. Early access is limited to selected AI safety researchers. · ournews.ai