Communicator has been designed for two target groups - the person using it to communicate and the ones using it to design page sets and communication boards, for example the speech and language therapist (SLP) or care giver. The two groups have different needs, but we believe that a modern design, flexibility and efficiency appeal to them both.
Modern design environment
Communicator is built upon the windows operating system, so users and SLPs familiar with that will be able to navigate through menues, tabs etc. without having to learn a new system.
Communicator is packed with features that makes the design work more efficent, two of them are:
An "Undo" function allows you to experiment
Tobii Communicator comes with an undo function so you don't have to be afraid of experimenting or making mistakes. Simply undo you last actions and try again.
Free form button shapes
When you create visual scenes you often want to make buttons with custom shapes. With Communicator that is easy, simply use the polygon tool to draw the desired shape around the symbol or image that you want to turn into a button.
Convenient communication through text
Communicator 4 comes with a high-quality speech synthesis engine that reads the texts that you produce. A clear and understandable voice, specific to your language, speaks your text when you click on the message window or speech button.
SymbolStix symbols and ready made page set get you started quickly
For those unable to read or write, Communicator 4 lets you use communication symbols or other pictures to support your interactions. A set of ready-made symbol pages is included and is a great way to start using the software.
Over 15,000 communication SymbolStix symbols are included that enable people of all ages to communicate clearly and understandably.
Speed and accuracy
Speed and accuracy are two important benefits of the standardized on-screen keyboard. Literate users will benefit from frequency-based word prediction, built-in grammar functions, word conjugation and access to the Windows desktop and applications. A wide range of alternative keyboard configurations is also available and each one is easy to personalize.
Built in and custom dictionaries
Built-in dictionaries help you to spell correctly and you can even build your own dictionaries with special words for research curricula, education topics or specific situations. Selecting a specific dictionary will limit your hits and speed up the entry of long and complex words. You can also apply the same strategy to phrases and phrase categories.
Select the keyboard layout that best suits you
Another unique feature of Communicator 4 is its ability to generate an entire keyboard using smart buttons. This way you can change keyboard language or shift between QWERTY, ABC or scan-optimized layouts in just one click.
Shouldn't those be optimal for you you can always make your own, custom keyboard.
Control your environment
With Communicator 4 Premium you can use infrared light (IR) transceivers to control your environment and enhance your independence.
An IR-transceiver is an accessory that can be included in your hardware or connected via USB. Communicator 4 Premium allows you to define remote controls for such things as your TV, DVD player, toys, or for adjusting bed position, opening doors, turning lights on or off and lots more when using GEWA controllers.
Communicator 4 is compatible with GEWA, TIRA-2 and USBUIRT.
Access to Windows
If you have access to Windows you are free to explore any installed application with the powerful on-screen keyboard. Any text you write can be sent to open applications and you can also send a range of different keystroke combinations to utilize keyboard shortcuts for quick and easy navigation.
Mouse emulation for switch users
You are not limited to using a keyboard only, if you are a switch user you can use mouse emulation that enables you scan the windows envirnment to hit any clickable element.
Education Assistance - more than words
When in language training mode, you can play picture and word matching games to learn while having fun. Communicator also includes options for automatic verb conjugation.
The built-in sound features enable you to record sound effects, syllable sounds, words or instructions that you want to use in your own exercises or for getting someone’s attention.
There is even a built in calculator for your math exercises and, if you want, you can even design your own.
Keep in touch with friends
In Communicator 4 Premium you can communicate using modern technology by simply using or modifying ready-made pages and functions for online chat, Skype, e-mail and telephone text messages (SMS). You can even make a phone call using the synthetic voice*.
Maintain your social network using Communicator’s Facebook functionality. Manage your contacts and use photos to recognize the people in your address book for quicker reference.
Supports all input methods
Regardless of your preferred input methods everyone can use Communicator 4. The software supports direct input via touch screen, mouse click, mouse dwell, joystick, or head mouse and has many settings to adjust for your personal preference. Setup is just a click away when you use any of Tobii's eye control solutions, MyTobii P10 or Tobii C12 with CEye.
Freedom for switch users
Switch-scan solutions can be set up in a variety of ways using one or two switches. Revolutionary mouse emulation features enable scanning users to control the standard Windows environment, moving beyond communication pages to a new level of functionality.
Auditory prompts
Those requiring feedback before making a selection can use sophisticated auditory prompts. This is particularly helpful for people with visual difficulties.
Change methods as you like
If your personal needs change daily, it is easy to switch between input methods, for example, using direct input in the morning and eye-control in the afternoon.
Standard or Premium edition
Tobii Communicator 4 comes in two editions: Standard and Premium. If you use a regular computer or a dedicated AAC device and only need computer access and/or speech synthesis features, then the Standard edition is the right choice for you.
However, if you need features like e-mail, text messaging (SMS), online chat, calendars and environmental control, you need the Premium edition. For more help in deciding which version is right for you, ask your local Tobii contact for a demonstration.