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Frontier labs · 25 October 2026
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Block launches Dessa AI voice model that processes audio directly

Block launched Dessa, an AI voice model that engages in speech without converting to text. It processes audio directly and can recognize emotional cues such as laughter and sadness; a small group of AI safety researchers will examine potential risks.

Day 2 of this story

What's new: Now shipped, whereas earlier coverage only announced the model.

24 OctBlock announces Dessa conversational AI model
Why it matters

Dessa processes raw audio and detects laughter and sadness; prototype voice assistants that preserve tone and surface emotion cues.

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