Grid 3 vs TouchChat HD

Grid 3 is AAC software from Smartbox for children and adults whose disabilities affect natural speech. It combines symbol vocabularies for different ages with text communication, including word prediction and AI-based assistance. The Fix tool can correct spelling and grammar, expand abbreviations, and fill missing letters or spaces. Speech output is available, and layouts are fully customizable. Access methods include eye gaze, touch with keyguards, switches, pointers, and voice activation. Grid can also provide access to email, SMS, social media, entertainment and streaming services, and web browsing. Computer Control operates a Windows computer, while Environment Control can operate technology around the home. The software supports more than 40 languages. Grid 3 requires Windows 10 or 11; Grid for iPad requires iOS 15 or later. Smartbox offers a 60-day Windows trial and a 30-day iPad trial. Pricing is by quote, with no free plan.

TouchChat HD is an AAC communication app for people who cannot rely on natural speech, including people with autism, Down syndrome, ALS, apraxia, or stroke. It creates words and messages that can be spoken through a built-in voice synthesizer or recorded audio. The WordPower edition adds AAC vocabularies developed by speech-language pathologist Nancy Inman. Pages, button layouts, messages, and symbols can be customized, with more than 45 button actions and nearly 40,000 SymbolStix symbols listed. Access options include touch, configurable switch scanning, adjustable button timing, gestures, and supported-device head tracking. Listed languages are English, Spanish, Canadian French, Arabic, Hebrew, and Mandarin, with language combinations supported. Text can be shared through social media, iMessage, or email. Vocabulary files support iTunes file sharing, Dropbox, and Google Drive, while backups can use iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. It runs on iPhone, iPad, and compatible Mac computers.