Avaz vs SymboTalk

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.

SymboTalk is an augmentative and alternative communication system in which people select symbols on boards to communicate. Selecting symbols can produce spoken output and add words to a sentence that can also be spoken. Users can create symbols or choose from an online library of more than 60,000 images, including ARASAAC, Mulberry, and Sclera symbols. Boards support sub-boards and multiple grid options. Profiles let editors configure boards for users, who can use a limited-access “me” mode. The service is available on Android and the web, and the Android app supports full offline use. Core app features are free; cloud sharing, synchronization, and backup are paid features. The app listing describes a ChatGPT integration and an AI Assistant that can generate full boards. Google Play reports the developer declares no data shared with third parties, but says the app may collect personal information, app information and performance, and device or other IDs. It also reports that data is not encrypted and cannot be deleted.