Is Proloquo2Go Available On Android?
Proloquo2Go is one of the most highly recommended AAC apps available today, but there's a big problem with it: it's not available on Android. Many AAC users live on fixed or limited incomes, making the high costs of Apple devices prohibitive. So, instead, they look toward Android devices — which, unfortunately, don't have Proloquo.
The lack of Proloquo2Go for Android might seem strange when the majority of smartphones and tablets worldwide run on Android. The choice to make it exclusive to iOS seems weirdly exclusionary when there are so many more people using the other operating system. It's not bad intentions; there are plenty of practical reasons behind it. Sticking to iOS makes it more financially viable to maintain and update an app. Still, the end result is the same: many people who need Proloquo2Go the most simply can't access it.
Try an alternative
Fortunately, the Android platform has many alternative AAC apps to choose from. Popular choices include Spoken, Avaz, and CoughDrop. Although a Proloquo2Go Android version would be nice, these are all decent choices as well.
Spoken - Tap to Talk AAC
Get it on Google Play Price: Free (with optional premium upgrade for $12.99/month, $99.99/year, or $249.99 for life)
Spoken is one of the most popular AAC apps available on Android. It uses advanced predictive text paired with minimalistic symbols to help you build sentences quickly using virtually unlimited vocabulary. The more you use the app, the better and more personalized the predictions become. Users can also type, draw, or handwrite to enter text and convert it to speech.
Spoken does operate differently from Proloquo2Go, but in a way that makes it a better choice for users who require less extensive communication support and want to be able to discuss a larger variety of topics.
Spoken is a free AAC app, with an optional Premium version that unlocks various additional features. The Premium trial period doesn't require any payment information and begins automatically.
Avaz
Get it on Google Play Price: $9.99/month, $99.99/year, or $299.99 for life
Avaz is another quality AAC app for Android. It's easy to understand and works well for children and users who require stronger support. Avaz was recently acquired by PRC-Saltillo, the developers of popular iOS-exclusive apps like TouchChat and LAMP Words For Life. According to the announcement, there are currently no plans for the pricing or content to change.
Avaz has several customizable features, such as vocabulary levels and grid size. These can be adjusted for users of different ages and skill levels. There are also numerous visual customizations that can be made so you can have a more personalized experience.
Another great thing about Avaz is that it is available in multiple languages, including several Indian languages, which you won't find in many other AAC apps.
There is no risk to try it because a 2-week trial is available that doesn't require payment information.
CoughDrop
Get it on Google Play Price: $9/month or $295 for life
CoughDrop is also a popular choice among Android users. It's another traditional AAC app, but it's packed with features and customizations.
It's best for users with strong support needs. It is also a great choice for speech therapists, caregivers, and parents because they have the ability to remotely access a shared account to monitor progress, edit boards for modeling, or update settings.
One especially handy feature of CoughDrop is the online library of user-generated communication boards. Being able to download a premade board covering almost any fringe topic you want to talk about takes a lot of work out of the process of using this kind of AAC.
CoughDrop has a two month trial period, giving you plenty of time to decide if it's the right choice. Like the other two apps we've mentioned, it doesn't require any card information to get started.
Get insurance to pay for an iOS device with Proloquo2Go
If you can't afford to make the switch to an Apple device, your insurer might be able to help. However, there's a catch: insurance companies won't cover a regular iPhone or iPad. The device needs to be pared down so you can only access your AAC app; that means no phone, no texting, no email, no browser, etc. So, if you go this route, you'll need to start carrying an additional device rather than having everything all in one.
If you have a documented speech disorder or any other disability that impacts your ability to communicate, you may able to take this route. However, it will likely be a lengthy process. If you need AAC immediately, downloading an app is a much better choice. You can start communicating in minutes, not months.
An example of a dedicated device that carries Proloquo2Go and might be covered by insurance is Forbes AAC's ProSlate.
Why Proloquo2Go and other AAC apps aren't on Android
Many of the most well-known AAC apps (like Proloquo, Grid, and LAMP Words for Life) remain exclusive to Apple. This can be frustrating, especially considering the cost of an Apple device will stack with the price of the AAC app.
The simple truth is, developing AAC for Android is tricky. Unlike iOS, Android spans thousands of different devices with varying screen sizes, hardware specs, and system versions. Testing and supporting that range adds enormous complexity and cost. A bug that appears on one Android tablet might not exist on another.
So, if you're waiting for a Proloquo2Go Android version, it may never come. Fortunately, a whole new generation of AAC apps is emerging that takes full advantage of the Android operating system!