Frequently Asked Questions

What type of iPad should I get?

We usually recommend to purchase a pretty recent iPad as Apple regularly releases new iOS versions making old devices too obsolete to support some apps. Currently, the latest versions of our AAC apps are supported by iOS 10 or later. Choosing between an iPad mini, a regular iPad and an iPad Pro is a matter of personal choice and really depends how you plan on using it. iPad minis are light, and consequently the most portable; but a bigger screen makes buttons more visible, and a larger target, which reduces frustration from mishits. In Predictable, all the features relying on face ID (head tracking, face & scan, face gestures) are only available on these devices: iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), and iPad Pro 11-inch.

What is switch access?

Switch access scanning is an indirect selection method, as opposed to direct touch. People with complex physical difficulties may be dependent on technology to manage their life or to communicate. Switch scanning access is for people who cannot use their hands to progress and select items on the screen. Some gestures like swiping, scrolling, (double) tapping or targeting a key to select can represent, for them, a barrier. There are two main actions that are made instinctively while navigating on a device: progressing and selecting. On computers, for instance, both actions are initiated by the mouse. With Predictable, people can use two switches at a time: one to progress or scan the items appearing on the screen, and the other one to make a selection of the highlighted item. If you don’t have the ability to use 2 switches at the same time, you can set the scan on automatic mode and adjust the speed and number of scan cycles.

Where can I find the app's user guide?

You can download the user guide of all our AAC apps directly from their website page. - Predictable - ChatAble - Scene & Heard - VocaTempo

Can I receive funding aids for an app?

Receiving financial aids for an AAC assistive app depends on your residential country. Please see our page relating to funding.

Can I get a free trial of an app?

We offer a two-week trial for all our AAC apps on iOS devices only. Contact support@therapy-box.co.uk to request a trial.

As a Speech and Language Therapist, can I get a free copy of the app to complete my evaluation kit?

If you are an SLT, we provide a two-week trial and depending on how much you used the app/are familiar with its features, we may offer a free full copy of it.

What Android device shall I get?

Contrary to iOS operating system which only runs on Apple devices, Android is an open source project, meaning that any hardware manufacturer can build a device that runs the Android operating system. As Android runs on a wide range of device configurations, some features are not available on all devices, which means that some devices do not support some apps. For example, some devices may not include certain sensors and may, therefore, not be supported by an app. When submitting the app Predictable to Google PlayStore, a technical compatibility test is made on their simulator. As a software developer, we can choose which version of the operating system Predictable should support but we cannot know which specific devices are compatible unless we test them ourselves. What we know for sure: Predictable can run on Android 7 and above, and it is compatible with the following devices that we tested it with: Smartphones:

• Lenovo K8

How to support Therapy Box?

Rate our apps on the App Store or Play Store.

What is the Language Explorer Project?

The Language Explorer is a citizen science research project funded by the Department for Health to create a future app that will help to identify developmental language disorders in children- something which affects two children in every classroom. It aims to achieve this by collecting data on how children between the ages of 4 and 8 perform on its three assessments: story retell, comprehension and repetition.

How to get involved?

We need 600 children aged 4 to 7;11 to participate by downloading and completing the Language Explorer.

Participation will involve watching a fun animated story, and then completing 3 language-based challenges: Story retell where you tell the story in your own words; Comprehension where you answer different styled questions on the story; and repetition where you’re asked to repeat the phrases you hear. This should take no more than 15 minutes. At the end of this process you can download and relisten to your story and play a fun game.

Who is involved in the project?

The collaborative project is being led by a specialist technology company Therapy Box but also includes Bristol Speech and Language Therapy Research Unit, Newcastle University and three NHS sites in Hackney, Newcastle and Bristol. The team combines another of different specialities including: Speech and Language Therapists, App developers and Acoustic specalistics.

Why is it important to get involved

2 children in every classroom have a Developmental Language Disorder. If not indentified and treated early, children living with this condition can suffer from a number of adverse social, educational and economic consequences. However, early identification can help alleviate many of these negative consequences.

The Language Explorer aims to create a tool that can improve the identification of this condition and therefore, improve outcomes for thousands of children across the country.

Want to contribute feedback?

We are designing the future tool to be used by Speech and Language Therapists, SENCOS and teachers to assess children's language. We therefore welcome any suggestions, idea and feedback about what you would like in a future assessment app. Email us at info@therapy-box.co.uk if you would like to be part of this discussion.

What does the Language Explorer actually involve?

Involves downloading a free app; watching a fun animated story and then completing three language-based challenges. The whole process shouldn't take more than 15 mins. You can both share your story on social media or play a fun game once you have completed the assessment.

I’ve got a great idea for an app. Can you develop it for me?

Almost certainly! We’ll need to discuss your requirements with you to find out if it’s a technically feasible idea. We’ll provide you with a proposal, which will include features that we’re able to provide within an app and how much the app would cost to develop, which you will be able to use to apply for funding if needs be.

What is the cost for developing an app with Therapy Box?

Each project needs to be reviewed to provide a ball-park figure. Following signing of a mutual non-disclosure agreement our team can work with you to fully understand the scope of work before providing a quote. This will typically have a tiered approach to help in deciding on budget.

I bought a bundle from you and I forgot the password of the Apple ID you created.

Please contact support@therapy-box.co.uk and a member of the team will help you recover it.

How do I pair my bluetooth speaker?

Turn your speaker on, then go into the main iPad / Android settings, go to bluetooth settings and turn bluetooth on. Put your speaker into pairing mode (this is usually accomplished either by pressing and holding on the power button, or by pressing and holding on the bluetooth button) and it should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on in once and it should pair up automatically.

How do I pair my Switchbox with my device?

Turn your switchbox on, then go into the main iPad / Android settings, go to bluetooth settings and turn bluetooth on. The switchbox should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on in once and it should pair up automatically. If this doesn’t work it’s possible that the switchbox is already paired with another device which means it needs to be reset. Press and hold the power button for around 8 seconds (until the LED starts flashing very quickly between red & green). Then return to your iPad or Android settings, turn bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then repeat the process.

I accidentally deleted an app, do I have to buy it again?

No, simply ensure that you are logged into the app store (go to settings > iTunes & App Store) with the apple ID (email address and password) that you used to purchase the app, then go to the app store app, tap on “Purchased”, and all your apps will be there. Tap on the cloud icon next to the apps you want to download. You will not be recharged.

We have many devices. How many licenses of the app(s) should I buy?

For licensing we abide by the standard Apple and Google terms of service. Personal use at home means you only need to buy one copy of each app for all your devices. Business use with multiple staff members means you should buy a copy of each app for each device. 1. If you are using the apps for personal use and you have multiple devices, say a phone and a tablet or two tablets, then you only need to buy one copy of each app and you can use the same account to download the app to all your devices. You may also be able to use the Family Sharing program to share the same license with other people living in your house. 2. If you are a business or speech therapy department and have multiple devices that are shared by multiple people, then you should buy a copy of each app for each device. For example, if you have five iPads that are shared between ten members of staff, you should buy five copies of each app, one for each device. Each device will need its own Apple ID to do this. "Individuals acting on behalf of a commercial enterprise, governmental organization or educational institution (an “Enterprise”) may download and sync Apps for use by either (i) a single individual on one or more devices owned or controlled by an Enterprise; or (ii) multiple individuals on a single shared device owned or controlled by an Enterprise. For the sake of clarity, each device used serially or collectively by multiple users requires a separate license." (Apple terms - https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/us/terms.html) "Restrictions: You may not:– use Content as part of any service for sharing, lending or multi-person use, or for the purpose of any other institution, except as specifically permitted and only in the exact manner provided." (The Google terms - https://play.google.com/about/play-terms.html)

How can I request a refund?

If the app was purchased through the AppStore:

1. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
3. If you see the "Report" or "Report a Problem" button next to the item that you want to request a refund for, click it.
4. Follow the instructions on the page to choose the reason why you want a refund and submit your request.

I can't manage to purchase the app, Google PlayStore is rejecting the payment.

Try logging into your Google Play Store account from a computer to use the chat support facility (which is not available from a tablet or phone). You can also speak to someone over the phone by ringing 08003286081. If this still doesn't work, you also have the option to purchase Play Store vouchers.

The history strip disappeared, how can I add it back?

1. From the app settings > Theme & appearence > Show/Hide feature keys > make sure the History strip is set on Show. 2. From the app settings > Word prediction > make sure the setting Save history is activated 3. Then type a message from the main screen and press the speak button. The message you just spoke should then appear in your History strip!

How can I hide the History and Favourite strips?

Two options:

1. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Open Predictable app > open the Settings > Theme & Appearance > Themes > Getting Started.
2. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Open Predictable app > open the Settings > Theme & Appearance > Show/Hide Feature keys > Select "Hide" for History strip and Favourite Strip.

What are the blue strip and the yellow strip on top of my screen?

The top-left strip is the History strip which provides quick access to your most recently spoken messages The top-right is your Favourite strip which provides quick access to your most commonly used phrases.

Can I hide the settings and edit buttons from my main screen?

Yes, to do so you will need to go to the device settings > Predictable > and deactivate the setting "Display edit & settings button"

Can I change the sound attached to the emojis?

Yes, by opening the app settings > Keyboard > Manage emoji. From this screen, you can select an emoji and then select the edit button in the top-right corner of the screen. You can attached a different sound of attach your own audio recording.

The settings button is hidden from the gameplay, how do I access the settings now?

Go to the device settings > Predictable > and activate the setting "Force start settings"

Can I hide the word prediction appearing above the keyboard?

Yes, to do so, open the app settings > Word prediction > and deactivate the first setting.

I banked many phrases and customised the settings of my app using the Guest mode. I would like to retrieve my data from my second device, what do I do?

1. Convert to a full user by opening the app settings > Account > Convert to full user. You will then need to enter a valid email address, choose a password and verify your email address via a link that you will receive on your email. 2. Connect your second device to the same operating system account. 3. Download the app and log in!

Gesture Speak feature is not working

Make sure the camera access is activated from the device settings > Predictable > Camera

Some of the selection face gesture triggers are not working well for Head Tracking and Scan & Track.

You can adjust the sensitivity of all the face gestures from the app settings > Accessibility > Head Tracking (or Scan & Track) > Calibrate. 0.1 is the most sensitive and 0.9 requireds very pronounced face gestures. Some of the face gestures are easier to use than the others. We added an indication under each of them to let you know which one are more reliable. You can play with the Head Tracking game to see with face gesture best fits your needs.

Can I colour-code Predictable keyboard?

Yes, by opening the app settings > Theme and appearance > Color code buttons > Keyboard keys.

Can I send text messages through Predictable?

Yes, all you need to do is to write your message and select the key Share. This will open a window allowing you to choose the app to send the message to (Facebook messenger, Whatsapp, etc.)

Predictable 6 training

Pedictable web platform

Voice banking and message banking

Can I use Predictable to speak over a phone call?

Yes, if your device is running on iOS 13 or later. Please note: - that YOU will not hear your own Predictable voice as the output will be sent to your conversation partner - that if you log out and log back in, you will need to remove the app from multitasking before being able to have your Predictable voice heard over the phone - that you will need to select a non-Scottish device voice to have your Predictable voice heard over the phone - that you can use Predictable to speak over a Whatsapp and Messenger call as well - that the voice sounds a bit "laggy" over a Messenger call (and we have unfortunately no control on this as Messenger is a third-party) - that you can see your video call partner while using Predictable to speak

Can I mute the emojis?

At the moment there is no such an option in Predictable 6.0 but it has been listed as a feature request for Predictable 6.1. There is however something you can do so that they don't produce any sound: From the Keyboard settings > Manage emojis > Select the emoji you want to mute and press the edit icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Make sure it has no sound attached and Replace the Speak text with a space.