Asterics AAC

Asterics AAC is a web-based augmentative and alternative communication app for building customizable grids. Grid elements can show labels or images, speak labels or custom text, collect selected words into sentences, and offer word predictions. Users can select elements by touch, mouse, scanning, direction, Huffman, or sequential input; listed access methods also include keyboard, external switches, hovering, microphone input, and AsTeRICS Framework events such as eye or head movement. Computer voices are available, though the choices depend on the browser and platform. Grid actions can control AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB devices, and programs or devices with an HTTP REST API. Users can also search for and play web radio, control YouTube videos within the app, and play podcasts. After the first browser visit caches the app, it can be used offline. Registered users can synchronize grids across devices. Online personal data is end-to-end encrypted with the user's password; offline users keep personalized data in the browser. Online data is deleted after 365 days without a login, and lost-password account data cannot be recovered.

Asterics AAC combines customizable communication grids with varied access methods, offline use, and device integrations. Keep a backup if using an online account, since a forgotten password cannot be recovered and account data may be deleted after prolonged inactivity.

It suits people who communicate using customizable grids and need varied access methods or speech output. Its online synchronization is for registered users, while offline users keep personalized data in their browser.

Asterics AAC is a browser-based communication app for people who need customizable augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It is best suited to users and caregivers who want adaptable grids, multiple access methods, and the option to connect communication to compatible devices. Its broad input support and offline mode are meaningful strengths; online account recovery is a serious weakness.

Overview

Grid elements can combine labels or images with spoken output, sentence building, and word prediction. Fully customizable layouts and a hybrid symbol system give users room to shape grids around their communication needs rather than rely on a fixed arrangement.

Asterics AAC reaches beyond communication: grid actions can control running AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB devices, and programs or devices that expose an HTTP REST API. It also supports web radio, YouTube control within the app, and podcasts. These additions make it a broader interface for compatible setups, though their value depends on having the relevant devices or services.

The app is made by the AsTeRICS Foundation, founded in February 2017 to bring project results to people with disabilities, organize workshops, and coordinate projects. Explore more options in AAC Communication Software.

Key features

Grids and speech

Elements can speak their labels or custom text, gather selected words into sentences, and offer word predictions. That combination supports both direct phrase playback and composing a response. Speech uses computer voices, but the available choices depend on the platform and browser, so voice selection may vary across devices.

Flexible access

Users can choose touch, mouse, keyboard, external switches, scanning, hovering, microphone input, or AsTeRICS Framework events such as eye or head movement. Direction, Huffman, and sequential input are also supported. This range can accommodate different access needs; it also means the app can suit setups that go beyond ordinary touchscreen use.

Offline use and synchronization

After the first browser visit downloads the app to its cache, it can be reopened and used offline. Registered users can synchronize grids across devices, while offline users keep personalized data locally in the browser. The tradeoff is that synchronization depends on an online account, whose data is deleted after 365 days without a login.

Privacy and account recovery

For online users, personalized data is end-to-end encrypted with the user’s password, and the foundation says it cannot access that data unencrypted. That protects privacy, but losing the password means both the password and account data are unrecoverable. Downloading backups is prudent for anyone relying on an online account.

Pricing

Asterics AAC is free and open-source, with a Free plan at no cost. There is no free trial because the app is free. The free plan retains the core app rather than placing features behind a paid tier; its notable caveat is that cross-device synchronization depends on funding for server costs. Users who need dependable synchronization should keep local backups rather than assume account data will remain available indefinitely.

Platforms

Asterics AAC runs in web browsers on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its cached offline mode is useful when connectivity is unavailable after the initial browser visit. Support for external switches and Framework events such as eye or head movement may also make it a better fit than a touch-only communicator for some users.

Who it's for

Asterics AAC is a strong fit for people who need to customize communication grids and choose among varied input methods, especially those already using compatible AsTeRICS Framework models, openHAB devices, or HTTP REST API-enabled programs. It is less suitable for anyone who needs guaranteed account recovery or long-term online retention without maintaining backups.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Fully customizable grids combine images or labels with speech, sentence building, and word prediction, giving users several ways to express a message.
• Pros: Touch, switches, scanning, microphone input, and Framework events offer access beyond standard mouse or touchscreen selection.
• Pros: Free and open-source, with offline browser use after the initial visit.
• Cons: A forgotten online password cannot be recovered, and the associated account data is lost with it.
• Cons: Online data is deleted after 365 days without login, and synchronization depends on funding for server costs.
• Cons: Computer voice choices vary by platform and browser, limiting consistency across devices.

Alternatives

Jellow is worth considering for readers who want a freely downloadable communicator with a PDF booklet and flashcards. Weave Chat AAC is an option for Android or iOS users who want a free AAC app, with board hosting offered separately for $4 monthly. Cboard suits users seeking a free cross-platform option with online neural voices, board sharing, and public board tools.

Fast AAC may suit Android or iOS users who prefer a one-time upgrade of $12.99 to unlock premium features rather than rely on Asterics AAC’s browser-based approach. Flexspeak AAC is an alternative for professionals evaluating AAC, with a free evaluator license that includes up to 10 visuals per month and real-time translation in 30+ languages. Sayella is another option.

Speech Assistant AAC offers an Android basic version and a $9.99 one-time full-version upgrade, while Spoken keeps core features free and offers premium features through subscription or purchase.

Verdict

Choose Asterics AAC if customizable grids, broad access support, and offline use matter more than a recoverable online account. Its free, open-source model and integrations make it a compelling choice for users with compatible setups, but those relying on synchronization should download backups regularly. Look elsewhere if losing an account password must not put personalized data beyond recovery.