Block’s Dessa puts conversation directly into a speech model

Block is demonstrating Dessa, a generative AI model trained on speech that listens and responds through audio without a text conversation in the middle. Its full-duplex design lets listening and speaking overlap, with pauses, interruptions, and vocal expression becoming part of the interaction.

Block says the model can run locally on an M4 Max MacBook Pro or better. That points toward voice experiences where inference can happen close to the user, although a convincing demonstration does not establish broad factual reliability or safe behavior in every conversation.

For voice-product teams, the change is architectural: timing and tone can carry information that transcripts discard. Watch for access details, independent testing, and evidence that expressive conversation remains controllable when users interrupt or ask unexpected questions.