As you may already know, and as we announced in our last Spectronics emailed newsletter, Proloquo2Go is an exciting new AAC concept for use on the Apple iPhone or iPod Touch!
For the past few months, the Spectronics team has been working hard on configuring several flexible options for delivery of Proloquo2Go packages to users across Australia and New Zealand – ensuring that we are able to support you at the level you have come to expect from Spectronics. However, due to restrictions with the software being distributed through the Apple iTunes Store, we are unable to provide you with a CD of the software and have been required to ask our customers to use iTunes gift cards or to download a pre-purchased version from the iTunes store. Following feedback from a number of funding organisations that this is unacceptable and negative feedback about the complexity of supplying the software in this way, we have decided to stop supplying Proloquo2Go. We are extremely disappointed about this as we are very much aware of how fabulous this software package is – but we are happy to tell you that you will still be able to purchase it directly through the iTunes store yourself. We will continue to provide accessories for the iPod touch such as the iMainGo2 speakers and the Pogo Stylus. We will also continue to provide information about Proloquo2Go on our website.
If you have any questions at all about this please email Jane Farrall, our AAC Support Services Manager on janef@spectronicsinoz.com.
I think this is very selfish and discriminatory of Apple especially when the software wasn’t developed by them (as far as I know).
People should lobby Apple and Proloquo2Go app on its iPhone and IPod. After all, Apple benefit in the long run.
Hank.
I should think with a little creativity and effort this could be circumvented so that the Apple Itunes store requirements as well as the funder requirements can be met. I certainly understand a funder would not want to “fund” itunes gift cards with no assurance that these would be used for the application, but could not the end user supply the information (email address, name, address etc) with which an Itunes account could be created by the vendor, solely for the purpose of Proloquo2go to be purchased on their behalf? The vendor could then provide the Ipod touch and the application downloaded and configured to the device, along with the password for the itunes account (which can be reset) to the end user, funded by funder and no opportunity for hanky panky. The end user could then use that Itunes account for whatever other purposes he or she desired after the receipt of the device. Naturally there would be some glitches in the process but they could be ironed out – where there is a will there is a way. This decision does sound a bit like just popping into the Too Hard Basket. I would suspect instead of that, the funders are reluctant in the first instance and this is just a convenient excuse! It’s not matter to me, however, because we have purchased the device and app for my daughter with personal funds. Just my thoughts.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your comments. We did actually try pretty much the system you suggest – we created Gmail accounts, then iTunes accounts, purchased Proloquo2Go and then supplied it to people that way. Unfortunately that wasn’t acceptable either to a majority of agencies – and then many users had difficulties managing two iTunes accounts because they already had an existing account. We tried very hard with this – I personally put hours into it. We spoke with the developers of Proloquo2Go for their suggestions and tried every option we could think of. We only took this decision reluctantly as we really think Proloquo2Go is a fabulous option.
Hope you are enjoying using it.
Jane
what a curious flaw.
I had not considered a service around configuring iPod Touches\ iPhones & software. But now – yeah – what an excellent idea. There are literally millions of apps out there. It takes a lot of time and practice to find the right ones. Why not have a professional assess the needs of an individual and create the solution? And then you have a special product like Proloquo2go – a true paradigm shifter. It does require lots of tuning to the individual because everyone’s needs are so varied. And not everyone can do that for themselves (no matter how easy a product is to adapt). wow.
Please, press the iTunes store to change. They should have the flexibility to allow a company to purchase and manage devices and software on a per item basis, not per account. Press upon them that they have created a new service – and they are not servicing it.
PS. Kudos to you Jane.
I think there was always going to be problems with funders because of their current rules (which appears to be a global problem) regardless of whether people purchased via Spectronics or independently.
Could Spectronics offer a $600 (approx value) training course and support package for those who may need assistance instead of the bundled package you were offering which included a premium for training and support anyway. Or bundle training with speaker/stylus.
I would much prefer to see people in control of their own destiny with AAC and not needing to rely on ‘funders’, NFPs, DETs etc. The reality is we don’t need to get Apple/Govt Policy or anyone else to change their rules (other than being able to fund multi-faceted unlocked appliances) – this is just another area where the PWD should be in control of money being spent on their behalf. Individual funding packages, self directed supports whatever it may be is what we need to strive for, then the ‘funders’ aren’t a problem.
We can’t have it both ways. To get low cost, high quality items there has to be some compromise on distribution – this is not a bad thing, it is just a different approach which actually helps empower the end user.
P2Go has a great, proactive online support network which can negate the need for ‘salaried support staff’ and allows costs to stay low.
So while this is a shame for Spectronics as a business I don’t think end users will be too affected but thank you guys for all the work you put in trying to make an option available for those who need the extra support.
Hi John and Gina,
Thanks for your comments too. We certainly have pressed Apple to change their policy about the distributions of these Apps – and I know David from Assistiveware continues to do this.
Cheers
Jane
This SUX!!!!!!!!!! i think funders need to get in the real world and let us find creative solutions to our own needs… i do hope that as one of austalias only leading assistive technolofy suppliers, spectronics will continue to advise users ofadvances on this situation… i intend on buying the proloquo2go app from itunes, and look forward to shouting from the roof tops once again.. well not literally, but ya know what i mean… i don’t blame apple at all – they are onto a good thing, why let one niche minority ruin that?? whats so wrong with being able to buy mainstream thru itunes? i love my touch, and think its the best thing since power chairs!!!!
HI all,
After lots of feedback from people who have been able to source Proloquo2Go directly from iTunes we are going to start supplying it again. This will enable organisations who require a quote before purchasing to generate a quote from our website.
The cost will be slightly higher from us, to cover our administration, processing and postage fees, and users will receive gift cards for the iTunes store and instructions on how to download Proloquo2Go.
We will also be offering annual support packages for people who feel they need support in programming and setting Proloquo2Go up.
We hope that this will offer more people the option of obtaining Proloquo2Go.
Cheers
Jane