Block Unveils Dessa AI, a Full-Duplex Speech Model Trained Exclusively on Human Conversation

Key Intelligence

• ■Block, led by Jack Dorsey, has launched Dessa, a new full-duplex AI speech model.
• ■Dessa was trained entirely on human speech and conversations, deliberately avoiding text-based data to capture more natural vocal nuances.
• ■The model is designed to engage in human-like conversations, including expressing laughter, natural pauses, and emotional tones.
• ■Reporters have described Dessa's voice as "eerily human" and capable of "disturbingly human conversations," though it occasionally exhibits "awkward moments."