SpeechWatch World’s First Standalone AAC Smartwatch

In line with Mada’s continuous efforts to keep up with the latest assistive technology innovations, our Assistive Technology team has reviewed a new AAC speech device that is enjoying considerable success with users and practitioners.

SpeechWatch is the world’s first standalone Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) speech device that is worn on the wrist, making it the first smartwatch of its kind. It is ideal for children and adults with Autism, Aphasia, Parkinson’s, or any condition that affects one’s ability to communicate with friends and family.

The SpeechWatch is a wearable AAC device that offers features including smartphone functionality, internet access, texting, email, social media apps, GPS mapping, tracking, streaming music and access to apps from the Google Play Store. The watch also allows parents to choose from a wide selection of readily available “parental” control apps. Additionally, all distractions can be turned off to limit the user, so that they only focus on using the TalkTablet speech app, or other specific AAC apps and features.

This wearable AAC device does not require a secondary smartphone or tablet in order to create or edit AAC buttons or pages. However, if the user already owns a tablet with the TalkTablet app installed, the user can utilize it to edit and create TalkTablet buttons and pages and wirelessly transfer them to the SpeechWatch or vice versa.

It is to be noted that this device requires a GSM cellular network to be able to use its cell phone features. Other key features include:

• Compatible with Android apps from Google Play Store (eg. TalkTablet)
• 1GB of RAM
• 4 cores running at 1.3GHz processor
• 16GB of storage
• A 2.2-inch screen at 320×240 resolution
• Speaker and microphone
• Camera, video recording
• IP67 waterproof rating

Mada believes that with such advancement in wearable technology, it is not far to imagine the development of an Arabic version using Tawasol AAC symbols.