Asterics AAC vs Fast AAC

Asterics AAC is a free, web-based augmentative and alternative communication app for building customizable grids. Grid elements can display labels or images, speak labels or custom text, collect selected words into sentences, and offer word predictions. Users can select elements with touch, mouse, keyboard, an external switch, scanning, hovering, microphone input, or AsTeRICS Framework events such as eye or head movement. Computer voices are supported, with availability dependent on the browser and platform. Grid actions can control AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB devices, and programs or devices with an HTTP REST API. It also supports web radio, YouTube control, and podcasts. After the first browser visit caches the app, it can be used offline. Registered users can synchronize grids across devices; online personal data is encrypted with the user’s password, while offline data remains in the browser. Online data is deleted after 365 days without login, and lost passwords cannot be recovered.

Fast AAC is an augmentative and alternative communication app designed to help people of all ages and abilities communicate. Its customizable grid lets users rearrange tiles, create new ones and add personal images. The Google Play listing describes more than 1,500 image tiles and smart suggestions that predict next words from a user's entries. Tile colors can be adjusted, and light and dark mode presets are available. The maker says the app supports multiple languages. Fast AAC works without an internet connection and provides speech output with touch and swipe access. The privacy policy says the app collects no information and stores user-generated content on the device; the terms say it has no hosted accounts or cloud backups, so users are responsible for device-level backups. It is intended for nonverbal children and adults, including people with autism, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery or other speech challenges. The download is free; premium features require a one-time upgrade for 12.99 USD. The terms caution that predictions may be inaccurate and that the app is not a medical device or substitute for professional advice.