What can I do if I've been using BEAM with Communicator and my phone was updated past Android 14?

 

Messaging Alternatives After Updating Past Android 14

BEAM is an app that works with Communicator 5 to send and receive text and image messages. BEAM is not compatible with Android 15 or above. If your phone has updated past Android 14, the following alternatives are available.

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Alternatives Within Communicator 5

Accessible SMS

Accessible SMS requires Wi-Fi or a hotspot connection. A constant phone connection is not required; however, your phone should remain nearby so you can hear alerts for incoming messages. With Accessible SMS, you can:

• Send and receive files, GIFs, emoji, and stickers
• Choose from pre-saved Quick Messages
• Type your own messages

Accessible WhatsApp / Accessible Facebook Messenger

These are instant messaging options available within Communicator 5. Both require that the person you are contacting also uses the same app. You will need to know the recipient's username on the corresponding platform. Neither option requires a connection to your phone.

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Alternatives Outside of Communicator 5

These alternatives require the use of either the touchscreen or TD Control.

TD Phone

TD Phone uses a Bluetooth connection to your phone. The phone should remain within 15 feet of the device to maintain a stable connection. TD Phone is included on all I-Series devices.  With TD Phone you can make/receive phone calls and text messages.  TD Phone cannot receive or send images but it can receive clickable links to photos or websites that are posted online.

For more information, visit: https://us.tobiidynavox.com/products/td-phone

Mirror for Android

Mirror for Android requires a constant USB connection between your phone and the I-Series device. It mirrors your phone screen directly onto your device desktop, giving you access to text messaging as well as most other phone apps — including photos, videos, Netflix, YouTube, and more.

Some apps, such as many financial apps, block mirroring for security reasons.

For setup instructions and how to link Mirror for Android from Communicator 5, visit: https://us.tobiidynavox.com/blogs/support-articles/mirror-app-for-i-series-and-android-phones

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Additional Options

The alternatives listed above are not exhaustive. Other options include Microsoft's built-in phone linking software for Windows, which supports sending and receiving text messages with Android phones. Third-party phone mirroring software is also available, though it has not been tested with Tobii Dynavox devices.