Avaz vs Niki Talk

Avaz is a picture- and text-based AAC app for people with complex communication needs to express themselves and learn. Its category-based vocabulary is available across three grades of core vocabulary, with a consistent layout and motor patterns. Keyboard prediction can correct spelling mistakes and can be set to show suggestions after a delay. Users can add words, personalize pictures, and change settings through the Settings Wizard. The Activity Dashboard and Communication Adventures offer caregivers activity ideas, strategies, and modeling training. Avaz Analytics presents communication development in graphs and charts for therapists. Dropbox can be linked to back up and sync vocabulary across devices; users can also import or export pages to share with other Avaz users. The app provides speech output and supports touch, switch, and eye-gaze access on iOS and Android, in multiple languages. Avaz also offers FreeSpeech for English grammar practice using picture tiles, and Reader, which supports reading with hints and help for learners including children with dyslexia and first-generation English speakers. Avaz AAC – English costs $149.99, paid once and includes a free 2-week trial.

Niki Talk is an augmentative and alternative communication app intended to help children with autism or disabilities that impair communication. With Niki Talk Designer, users can create custom boards and add pictograms and photos to a personalized album. Designer generates speech through text-to-speech in 31 languages, and the purchase page lists 70 voices. The Trial version lasts 30 days and limits an album to 30 pictures. The Full version costs €4,900, paid once and provides unlimited album pictures and access that never expires. Both plans list one user and unlimited downloads on iPad, iPhone, and Android. The app is also listed for Kindle; Designer can be used on PC, Mac, and iPad. To use an album on a device, users configure it with the same ID and password as Designer and enable album downloads. The maker says its apps do not collect or transmit personal or location data, use analytics, or include advertising. A separate app, Niki Agenda, supports daily or weekly scheduling, activity symbols, customizable pictograms, and token-based rewards.