Comparison

TouchChat HD vs Bob Books Reading Magic #1

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TouchChat HD

This app provides a comprehensive communication solution for individuals with speech impairments. It offers customizable vocabulary files, synthesized voices, and various access methods to facilitate expression and interaction. Text generated can be shared via social media, email, or copied to other applications.

Highlights
  • Customizable vocabulary files
  • Built-in voice synthesizer
  • Multiple synthesized and custom voice options
  • Adjustable button activation timing
  • Support for scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking
  • Text sharing via social media, email, and iMessage
  • Import/export vocabulary files
Features
Read full description

TouchChat is a full-featured Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person's ability to use natural speech. TouchChat gives an individual the ability to choose a vocabulary file which consists of pages and buttons that contain words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. Messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message. Various synthesized and custom voice options are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their own personality. Various vocabulary files are included. Visit our website for a full list of options. The Upgrade Store provides additional in-app purchases, including the WordPower® series of AAC vocabularies designed by Nancy Inman. WordPower is a word-based vocabulary that allows for easy and intuitive communication and is available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. The Upgrade Store also provides English vocabularies files (Gateway©, Pixon®60 and Talk About AAC), services, and symbol libraries. Vocabulary files within TouchChat are fully customizable, including pages, grid layout, buttons, messages, and symbols. Select from over 45 button actions and nearly 40,000 Symbolstix® symbols* when creating new buttons. You can also choose to use an existing image or take a photo with the built-in camera. Additionally, gestures can be used to navigate to new pages, speak messages, etc. *Please note: PCS© symbols can only be used in TouchChat after an in-app purchase is completed. Button activation timing can be adjusted to meet the needs and capabilities of the user. Adjustments include button dwell time and button release time. Buttons can also be configured to activate on release. Additional access methods such as scanning, head tracking, and eye tracking may be available based on device model and may require an additional hardware purchase. Text generated with TouchChat can be shared on social media or via iMessage® and email using a wireless connection. Generate a message, push on the text window, and choose a service. Additionally, text can be copied to/from TouchChat and other applications so it can be spoken out loud. Once programming is complete, vocabulary files can be imported and exported through AirDrop, email, iTunes® file sharing, DropBox™ or Google Drive™. TouchChat also enables users to subscribe to iShare and store custom files for safe keeping (not available to customers residing in the European Union). iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. By downloading and using the TouchChat app, the purchaser accepts the PRC-Saltillo TouchChat Software License Terms. The Manufacturer of the iOS application – TouchChat is: Prentke Romich Company dba PRC-Saltillo 1022 Heyl Rd Wooster, OH 44691 USA Tel.: (330) 262-1984 // (800) 262-1984 Fax: (330) 262-4829 Email: info@aacapps.com Web: www.prc-saltillo.com The EU Authorized European Representative for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Prentke Romich GmbH Karthäuserstr. 3 D-34117 Kassel Germany Tel.: (05 61) 7 85 59-0 Fax: (05 61) 7 85 59-29 Email: info@prentke-romich.de Web : www.prentke-romich.de The UK Responsible Person for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Liberator Ltd Glenside Business Park West Pinchbeck, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3SA UK Tel: +44 (0)1733 370470 Email: info@liberator.co.uk Web: www.liberator.co.uk/ The Swiss Authorized Representative for the iOS application – TouchChat is: Inspera GmbH Thunstrasse 64 | CH-3110 Münsingen Phone +41 31 819 74 60 | Mobile +41 79 435 53 09 mail@inspera.ch | www.inspera.ch

About

Bob Books Reading Magic #1

This interactive phonics game helps young children learn to read by connecting letters to sounds and sounding out simple words. With a drag-and-drop interface and engaging animations, it provides a fun and successful first reading experience.

Highlights
  • Phonics-based interactive game
  • Letter-sound connection
  • Sounding out simple words
  • Spelling practice
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Full-color animations
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

- Winner Editor's Choice Award, Children's Technology Review - 15 Great Apps for Kids, Babble.com - Parenting Magazine “Best App for Kids” - Parents Choice Approved Millions of kids have learned to read with the Bob Books beginning reader series. Kids can watch their favorite Bob Books stories and characters come to life with Bob Books Reading Magic #1! Start your child reading with this phonics-based interactive game. Even very young children love the simple drag-and-drop interface. Your favorite Bob Books characters and full-color animations encourage kids along the path of learning to read. Bob Books Reading Magic continues Bob Books’ commitment to bringing children a satisfying, successful first reading experience, with easy first steps, wholesome values, authentic hand-drawn illustrations, and beautiful full-color animations. Bob Books Reading Magic will show your child how to: -Make the connection between letters and sounds. -Sound out simple words. -Spell the words they’ve read. The game includes twelve scenes for a total of 32 words. Four game levels provide increasing learn-to-read challenges to children as they play. Bob Books Reading Magic follows the same method and principles as the #1 best-selling Bob Books series. Bob Books were created to lead children to the ah-ha moment when letters first turn into words. By slowly introducing new letter sounds, using consistency, repetition and stories that fit short attention spans, your child will quickly find his or her own ah-ha moment. This is the reading magic of Bob Books. Soon your child will join over 10 million children who can proudly say, “I read the whole book!”® Parents and educators rave about Bob Books apps: "Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic is an excellent introduction to phonics for young children... This app will grow with your learning child, and keep their interest as they read and re-read the sentences on each page." --- Common Sense Media "A fantastic tool for a pre- or early reader -- and a fun way to occupy your toddler during a doctor's visit." --- Infant Bibliophile "Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic is a top learning app for toddlers and for sure one of the best apps for toddlers and preschoolers to learn how to read." --- Fun Educational Apps "One of the best learning app for kids." --- Everything Mom Bob Books respects your privacy! We do not collect, store, or share any personal information or location data. All our apps are ad free, without in-app purchases and are safe for young children. Read more at: https://bobbooks.com/privacy-policy *** We love getting feedback from our users. If you have questions or comments, please send them to info@bobbooks.com. *** For more information about Bob Books, visit https://bobbooks.com

Screenshots

TouchChat HD4 screens
Bob Books Reading Magic #14 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Bob Books Reading Magic #1 at $2.99 against TouchChat HD's $149.99. Bob Books Reading Magic #1 also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 11). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

TouchChat HD costs $149.99 and Bob Books Reading Magic #1 $2.99 up front. TouchChat HD sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Bob Books Reading Magic #1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Bob Books Reading Magic #1 holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bob Books Reading Magic #1 has 602 ratings behind it against 36, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of TouchChat HD's written reviews are positive against 66% of Bob Books Reading Magic #1's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, Bob Books Reading Magic #1 every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
TouchChat HD versus Bob Books Reading Magic #1: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchChat HDBob Books Reading Magic #1
Price$149.99$2.99 — better
Rating3.9 (36 ratings)4.6 (602 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews65.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings36602 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#162 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.5 GB175 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrentke Romich CompanyBob Books Publications LLC

Customer experience

TouchChat HD

All ratings36 ratings
Positive61.1%
Neutral22.2%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative35.7%

Bob Books Reading Magic #1

All ratings602 ratings
Positive90.5%
Neutral4.0%
Negative5.5%
Written reviews90 reviews
Positive65.6%
Neutral10.0%
Negative24.4%

Bugs and requests

TouchChat HD

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Bob Books Reading Magic #1

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Sound not working
  • Inability to progress to higher levels
  • Compatibility issues with older devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • More books and content
  • Ability to vocalize letter sounds
  • Varied word choices and sentence structures
  • British English voice option

In-app purchases

11 purchases

TouchChat HD

One-time11
  • Enable Acapela French Voices$11.99
  • Talk-About Vocabulary$44.99
  • PCS Symbol Library$49.99
Show 8 more
  • Unique Learning System$59.99
  • iShare Individual 1-Year 2GB Subscription$59.99
  • Pixon® for TouchChat$79.99
  • News-2-You and Unique Service$99.99
  • WordPower Vocabulary$149.99
  • Hebrew Language Pack$149.99
  • Gateway© Vocabulary$149.99
  • iShare Team 1-Year 30GB Subscription$239.99
None

Bob Books Reading Magic #1

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TouchChat HD free?
TouchChat HD costs $149.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Bob Books Reading Magic #1 free?
Bob Books Reading Magic #1 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TouchChat HD or Bob Books Reading Magic #1?
Bob Books Reading Magic #1 is rated higher. TouchChat HD averages 3.9 out of 5 from 36 ratings, while Bob Books Reading Magic #1 averages 4.6 from 602 ratings.
Do TouchChat HD or Bob Books Reading Magic #1 have ads?
Neither TouchChat HD nor Bob Books Reading Magic #1 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchChat HD or Bob Books Reading Magic #1?
TouchChat HD ships an update every 2 months, and Bob Books Reading Magic #1 every 4 months. Most recently, TouchChat HD was updated on October 29, 2026 and Bob Books Reading Magic #1 on October 29, 2026.

Other comparisons