Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Jul 21
Block Releases Free Open-Source Buzz App for 3 Desktop Platforms as It Challenges Slack and GitHub
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Jul 21

Block Releases Free Open-Source Buzz App for 3 Desktop Platforms as It Challenges Slack and GitHub

1 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Jul 21

Summary

  • Buzz is now available as a free desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux, with Block also publishing the workplace chat platform’s code on GitHub.
  • Block positions Buzz as a shared workspace where employees and AI agents can collaborate in the same conversations, combining Slack-like chat with GitHub project management in one window.
  • Jack Dorsey described the product as model-agnostic, decentralized, self-sovereign and open source, letting teams self-host, customize features and deploy their own versions.
  • The launch targets startups adopting AI agents for work, but Buzz says it is still in its early stages as rivals such as Paradigm-backed Centaur also pursue AI-native alternatives to Slack.

Insights

Can Jack Dorsey's free platform challenge the billion-dollar dominance of Slack and Microsoft in the AI workspace race?
As AI agents become digital coworkers, how will companies prevent a future of rogue, uncontrollable AI employees?