Block unveils Dessa, an AI model trained solely on human conversation

Block announced Dessa, a true speech-to-speech AI model trained from scratch only on human conversation, which can run locally on a MacBook Pro M4 Max or better. The model aims to explore language acquisition without written text, improve human-AI understanding, and enhance safety by capturing vocal emotion, addressing limitations in current voice AI. Dessa will provide early access to a small group of AI safety researchers.