KanaTalkMini vs Messay2
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
KanaTalkMini
This application helps users learn Japanese hiragana through interactive sound and speech features. It offers 50 sound buttons for pronunciation practice and a speech button to read input hiragana. Tools for deleting characters and switching sound contents are also included.
- 50 sound buttons for pronunciation
- Speech button to read hiragana
- Character deletion
- All character deletion
- Sound content switching
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It is a voice application in Japanese hiragana. Communication tools and educational tools, please use the means. Button Description - 50 sound buttons The pronunciation of the sound button or the sound is along 50. - Speech button Hiragana reading of the input 1 - delete characters Delete the last character entered hiragana - Delete all button Remove all entered in hiragana - "Small" "゛" "゛" button Only 50 sounds corresponding button switches the contents
Messay2
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Messay2 is an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) app that allows you to communicate using your eyes. It is the second-generation, upgraded version of the original Messay app. Designed for individuals who have difficulty operating a smartphone with their fingers due to conditions such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, or MND (Motor Neuron Disease). By simply moving your eyes and face, you can operate the app and have your intended messages read aloud to others. Our goal is to make daily communication smoother and richer, even from the comfort of your bed. ■ 2 Communication Features Phrases function: Pre-register frequently used messages like "Thank you" or "I'm hot." Simply select a card using eye or facial movements, and your smartphone will read it aloud for you. Freeform function (Experimental): A feature that allows you to freely create and read aloud any sentence by selecting letters one by one from an on-screen keyboard. ■ Flexible Operation Methods Tailored to You You can combine the most comfortable operation methods to suit your physical condition on any given day. Cursor Movement: Choose between moving the cursor with your "Gaze" or using "Auto-scan" (Time Movement), where the cursor moves automatically at set intervals. Click Action: Set your selection button to an action you can perform comfortably, choosing from three options: "Blink," "Stare (Dwell)," or "Look sideways." Switch Control: In addition to eye movements, the app supports operation via external keyboards, game controllers, and commercially available AAC switches. ■ Useful Features to Support Daily Life Easy Calibration: Easily readjust the degree of eye opening and the reference point for eye tracking at any time. Call Bell feature: Add a "Call Bell" card to your Phrases. When selected, it plays music instead of reading text, allowing you to call family members or caregivers in another room. Sleep feature: Dims the screen and stops responding to all but specific actions. This prevents accidental operation and is perfect for when you are resting. Selectable Voice Output: Choose your preferred voice from the synthesized voices built into your smartphone. ■ Pricing Plans and Free Trial When you start using the app, a "7-Day Free Trial" automatically begins, allowing you to try all features, including unlimited text-to-speech. These "7 days" are counted based on the days you actually launch the app. If you don't use the app every day, the days won't decrease, allowing you to try it out at your own pace and according to your physical condition. Free Plan: After the free trial ends (on the 8th day of launching the app), you will automatically be transitioned to the Free Plan (you will not be automatically charged). You can use the text-to-speech feature up to 5 times a day. Premium Plan ($12.99/month or $129.00/year): Enjoy "unlimited" text-to-speech usage. Cloud backup for your registered Phrase data. Gives you peace of mind when changing devices or in case of device failure. "Early Access" to try out upcoming new features, such as the Freeform feature, before anyone else. ■ Disclaimer This app is designed to support daily communication and is not a medical device. We cannot guarantee its complete reliability as a substitute for an emergency nurse call or for critical, life-threatening communication. The accuracy of eye and face tracking using the camera may vary depending on your device's performance and environmental lighting (such as room lights or sunlight). Thank you for your understanding. ■ Supported Environment iOS15 or later ■ Support & Contact If you have any questions about how to set up the app, feature requests, or notice anything, please feel free to contact us. Contact Page: https://messay.ndk-group.co.jp/en/feedback/ Email: support@messay.ndk-group.co.jp
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: KanaTalkMini at none against Messay2's 2. KanaTalkMini also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). Messay2's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Messay2 sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. KanaTalkMini asks for nothing beyond the download.
KanaTalkMini ships an update every 2 months, Messay2 every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | KanaTalkMini | Messay2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.5 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 167 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ASTRO INC | NDK dev |
In-app purchases
KanaTalkMini
No in-app purchases
Messay2
- Premium$12.991 Month
- Premium$129.001 Year








