# PiCom — Picture Communicator, for AAC

> Picture symbol communication system for individuals with speech impairments. (iPhone/iPad app by Sensory App House Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picom/id6443864830 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Sensory App House Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1361994084)
- Category: Medical, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 93 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-01-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picom/id6443864830/reviews.md

## What is PiCom?

PiCom is an Augmentative Alternative Communication system (AAC) , which can be used within healthcare systems such as the UK's NHS, the schools systems, at home or when out and about. PiCom is a picture symbol communicator with text to speech or recorded voice output, that runs on a wide range of tablets, phones and computers. PiCom does not require a web connection to use as a communication aid. PiCom is designed to assist people who have difficulty speaking, due to a medical situation (short or long term). It can also be of great help in special education. PiCom brings change and more choice to digital communication aids.  PiCom also supports the new Apple Personal Voice feature. Any personal voices created, will show within PiCom along with all other voices available on the device. Please note Personal Voice is only available on certain Apple devices at iOS17.

PiCom has the great advantage in being able to open and create communication boards or grids with the Open Board Format (.obf or obz). This means that boards can be freely exchanged between users, creators and the AAC Apps that can support Open Board format. When you download PiCom, it includes a range of well established communicator grids from experts in the field. You can then edit these, changing images and names to help the communication aid user. PiCom also has is own set of communication symbols, as well as linking to other symbols and the ability to use your own photos (and sounds). The advantages continue, because you can edit or create boards in PiCom, and share to your user's device or computer - the PiCom app and boards will be the same on all devices, including within a web browser.

PiCom is also highly accessible for people who might have physical difficulties using a device. PiCom can be operated with bluetooth switches, Microsoft X Box Controller and Microsoft Adaptive Control, special external mice, some novel light touch control methods as well as face control. 

PiCom has some helpful visual features, allowing background and button colours to be modified extensively. It has a high contrast display and a zoom capability. 


PICOM FEATURE LIST

1. PiCom includes a range of proven communicator templates, that can be used immediately and expanded or edited.
2. Connects to the text to speech voices on your device, giving a wide range of voice choices in many languages. Also supports Apple Personal Voice feature when available.
3. You can import (and export) existing created communication boards that are in the Open Board Format (file format .obf or .obz)
4. Edit buttons on existing and new boards, changing background colors, import different symbols, images or photos, change the labels and change the text that is spoken. Add recorded audio to buttons also, using the record feature or import audio.
5. Create your own Communicators and boards from scratch, you can define sizes, use the button editor to populate each button, and export or share the creator communicator in the Open Board format .obz
6. Many access control input methods are available for PiCom, including touch, touch zoom, mouse wheel control, joystick, X Box Controller, gamepad D pad/cursor key control, , switch control, face control and micro touchpad control. Microsoft Adaptive Controller and X Box controller support inbuilt, as most recent devices now support this controller.
7. PiCom can be run as a full screen communicator, or show the selected text/symbols in a viewing windows top or bottom
8. PiCom can operate in both landscape mode and portrait mode.
9. PiCom does not require an internet connection to work as a communicator. Internet is required to share and download new boards.
10. PiCom does not require an account to be created, contains no adverts and does not track data for external usage.
11. Over 2000 PiCom symbols included and available to boards and available from free download from our website at www.sensoryapphouse.com

## Key features

- Picture symbol communication
- Text-to-speech and recorded voice output
- Offline functionality
- Customizable communication boards
- Supports Open Board Format (.obf/.obz)
- Multiple input methods (switches, controllers, etc.)
- Accessibility features (high contrast, zoom)

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picom/id6443864830/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Free grid based communication chart builder and speech output app

*2023-04-15*

Great for generating instant communication charts with a range of freely available symbols.  Make phrases and sentences that can be read aloud using speech synthesis in different languages - automatic translations from English so check for accuracy.

**Developer response:** Many thanks for the positive feedback. The different language translations are in beta test phase. More work ongoing of course.

### 4/5 — Good

*2023-02-08*

Good but a bit laggy, and the photos go away sometimes. Nice to use for school though.

## Frequently asked questions about PiCom

### What is PiCom used for?

PiCom is an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) system designed to help individuals who have difficulty speaking. It uses picture symbols and text-to-speech to facilitate communication in various settings, including healthcare, schools, and daily life.

### Does PiCom require an internet connection?

No, PiCom does not require a web connection to function as a communication aid. This allows it to be used reliably in situations where internet access may be limited or unavailable.

### Can I create or edit communication boards in PiCom?

Yes, PiCom allows you to edit existing communication boards or create new ones from scratch. You can customize buttons with different images, photos, sounds, and text labels, and then share these boards across devices.

### What input methods does PiCom support?

PiCom is designed to be highly accessible and supports various input methods. This includes Bluetooth switches, Microsoft Xbox Controller, Microsoft Adaptive Control, special external mice, and face control for users with physical difficulties.

### Can PiCom import and export communication boards?

Yes, PiCom supports the Open Board Format (.obf or .obz), allowing you to import and export created communication boards. This facilitates the exchange of boards between users, creators, and other compatible AAC applications.

### What are the accessibility features of PiCom?

PiCom offers several visual accessibility features, such as extensive background and button color modification, a high contrast display, and zoom capabilities. These features help users with visual or physical impairments interact more effectively with the app.

### How often is PiCom updated?

PiCom was last updated on November 3, 2025, with version 1.9.2. This indicates a commitment to ongoing development and improvements for the application.

### What devices can I use PiCom on?

PiCom is available for a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It is designed to run on various tablets, phones, and computers, offering broad platform compatibility.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.00 — 2026-08-18

Added some experimental features. In main settings now select AI, which will create sentences from the sequence of selected symbols. This will only be available on recent devices. In addition, within board settings, you can now change all the loaded obz communicator board to show Sensory App House PiCom symbols in one pass.

### 1.9.2 — 2025-11-03

Updates audio recording and audio file additions to new created communicators

### 1.9.1 — 2025-08-15

Modified meta data

### 1.9.0 — 2023-11-09

small update to re-enable PiCom with XBox Controller and Microsoft Adaptive Controller

### 1.8.5 — 2023-10-18

Now supports iOS 17 Personal Voice from Accessibility settings. Create your own Personal Voice in your iOS device, and PiCom can now use that voice. So have a truly personalized Picture Communicator with a personal voice. Also now shows all iOS17 system voices and languages available.

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## More apps by Sensory App House Ltd

- [Sensory Electra](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sensory-electra/id639580740)
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- [Sensory CineFx -  Fun Effects](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sensory-cinefx-fun-effects/id649331074)
- [Sensory Just Touch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sensory-just-touch/id649331809)
- [Sensory FotoFrez - Fun Fotos](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sensory-fotofrez-fun-fotos/id649333176)

All apps by Sensory App House Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/1361994084

## Related topics

[aac text communication device](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/aac-text-communication-device)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-22.*