DynaVox Xpress handheld communication device boasts WiFi, Bluetooth

Pittsburgh-based company DynaVox Mayer-Johnson has been making handheld communication devices (for those who have speech impairments or lack the ability to speak altogether) for years, but its newest device -- the DynaVox Xpress, is really stepping up the game. The Xpress, which weighs in at 1.5 pounds and has a 5-inch touchscreen, is mainly used to for "talking," and as such, boasts a menu of icons with various phrases and vocabulary, with speakers to vocalize the communications. The Xpress doesn't stop there, however. It also boasts an MP3 player, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which gives it email capabilities, an integrated calendar, and the ability to download new vocabulary to the device. Pricing and availability for the handheld is expected next week.

[Via CNET]

[bombastinator Posted Aug 12th 2009 3:22AM]

why did they bother to build dedicated hardware? This sounds like something you could do as an ipod touch app. Or heck, any pmp with a touch screen. Probably quickest to write for windows mobile actually.

[Ryan Trevisol Posted Aug 12th 2009 8:15AM]

Well, because this is aimed at the Special Education market. Hardware in this market needs to be rugged (that screen will have to endure very hard presses), oversized (many, many people using this device will have motor control impairment as well), fluid-resistant (unfortunate but true), and will need louder output capability than an iPod Touch or iPhone could provide. This is, after all, the only way some people can communicate.

Personally, I have no love for Mayer Johnson, they make terrible software and they have a stranglehold on PECS (a universal augmentative communication pictoral language). This hardware does look fairly advanced compared to what's out there now, though.

[The Mad Mule Posted Aug 12th 2009 3:27AM]

Those are anything but attractive hands.

[Callanish Posted Aug 12th 2009 3:35AM]

it's kinda thick and chunky and would make a great defensive brick like weapon

[barry99705 Posted Aug 12th 2009 9:17AM]

Most of the kids I've set these up for can barely move their arms. They are usually attached to their wheelchairs. The bluetooth connection will be pretty nice, you'll be able to upload new sounds and phrases without having to pull it off, or risk the usb connection if something shiny grabs their attention.

[Callanish Posted Aug 12th 2009 4:39PM]

Apologies Barry. No offense intended. Just seems that with everything tech these days being thinner, smaller and lighter, this device comes across as very last generation with its weight and size. If it does the job for those in need, then I guess it's a worthy product. I just think that it could be made more efficient considering how far tech design has came in the last few years.

[Gregorian Posted Aug 12th 2009 6:09AM]

These devices are specialised gadgets.
Just be aware that they're not designed for regular folks. They're for people with speech problems, and often with that associated motor problems with their hands, and perhaps have poor eyesight. It's a Medical Aid.

So it needs to be big and chunky and simple. To be honest I am a bit sceptical about it being a "Touch" device. Not the best for shaky hands trying to type out speech. It'd be better with a compact, but quality keyboard, as older devices from DynaVox did have.

One thing an iPod Touch, or a small Laptop lacks is a good loud speaker, which these gadgets offer.
Email and Wifi make it very useful, as email becomes a primary means of communication for folks who'd use this.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 12th 2009 7:27AM]

Wow engadget, this is disappointing. I love that a device like this is on here because I work in the Rehab Engineering field. But, their Competitor has already had a similar, if not better device out for years. The Prentke Romich ECO 14, http://www.prentrom.com/eco, has Bluetooth, WiFi, touch screen, Microsoft Office, and a modified version of XP. I have used it, but not the new Dynavox one here, but the ECO seems to blow it out of the water

[kennylad Posted Aug 12th 2009 9:31AM]

Great to see news of this kind of devices coming from Engadget... keep it up guys/gals.. gives me a reason to check this web site out at work!!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 12th 2009 5:08PM]

Just to add to the discussion. The truth of it is that in our governments wisdom they have only allowed MEDICAID reimbursement for devices that are "NOT COMPUTERS" Therefore a device like this cost from 5-8K when a tablet pc could be ruggedized run the same software or better and only cost 1-2K to the tax payers. Brilliant government waste.

To clarify. There are Rugged Tablets with extended battery power, better speakers, larger and smaller screens, useful for the internet, COMPUTING, and productivity that can serve this population. A population I work with. However the U.S government believes it can make better decisions about the needs and HEALTHCARE of its citizens than the professionals (and spend 3x more in the process)

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 13th 2009 2:53PM]

Yay for being a douche and making this a political rant about people

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2009 11:47PM]

hi
i work with a little boy who has autism, and his mom is looking into getting one of these for him(maybe). is it easy to use? how much is it?

Dae-Lin