A simple, low-cost gadget aims to give a voice to people who can’t speak

A small device with a big promise

123Invent this week introduced a basic communication device identified as CTK-1696, a small tool the company says is built to help people who are nonverbal or have limited speech. The release frames the device as a simple, single-purpose aid: it lets a user select a small set of messages or prompts and then plays them aloud. The purpose is straightforward — give a quick, reliable way for someone to communicate basic needs or responses without complex training or expensive electronics.

What the CTK-1696 does and how it’s built

According to the company statement, CTK-1696 is deliberately low-tech. Rather than trying to replicate a full speech device or a tablet-based app, it offers a handful of pre-recorded or easily recorded messages that a user or caregiver can trigger with a clear, simple interface. The release describes a focus on durability, long battery life and ease of cleaning — traits that matter in everyday care settings.

The designers emphasize a few practical choices: a small set of clear buttons or touch points rather than a large screen; a rugged outer shell so it can stand up to daily handling; and straightforward charging or battery replacement. The aim is to keep costs down by avoiding advanced processors, complex sensors or subscription software. 123Invent also highlights that the device’s setup is intended to be quick so caregivers can put it into use without lengthy configuration.

The person behind the idea and why they built it

The product was rolled out under the 123Invent name. In the release, the inventor explained they were motivated by everyday gaps they observed in caregiving and therapy: many existing communication aids are either too costly or too complex for quick, real-world use. The release quoted the inventor saying the goal was to “give a simple, reliable voice to people who have trouble speaking.” The company describes CTK-1696 as the result of rapid prototyping and feedback from a small group of testers during development.

How real people and their caregivers might use it

For many families and care teams, the appeal is obvious: a device that can speak a few essential phrases — such as requests for help, yes/no answers or basic choices — could reduce daily frustration. Practical scenarios include classroom settings where a student needs to answer a question quickly, a nursing home resident signaling for assistance, or a nonverbal adult asking for a drink or a restroom break.

Caregivers may appreciate the simplicity: no app login, no updates to manage and fewer moving parts to break. But that same simplicity limits the device’s reach. It won’t replace full-featured speech-generating devices for people who need a broad vocabulary or complex sentence-building. For users with changing needs, the small message set could feel restrictive unless the device allows easy swapping or recording of messages.

When it will be sold, and how much it might cost

The company’s announcement did not list a firm retail price. 123Invent says CTK-1696 will be available directly from the company and through select distributors once manufacturing ramps up, but specific shipping dates and country-by-country availability were not given. The release suggests an affordable price point is a priority, yet exact figures, warranty terms and whether the device will be covered by insurers or assistive-technology programs were not announced.

How it stacks up and what’s still missing

Compared with established augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, CTK-1696 looks intentionally modest. That can be a strength — lower cost and simpler training — but it also raises questions. The announcement includes only limited user feedback and no independent clinical evidence of benefit. Important details such as long-term reliability, ease of customizing messages, compatibility with therapy plans, and whether the device needs any regulatory approval were not covered in depth.

There’s also a safety and inclusion angle: a tool that oversimplifies communication risks ignoring the needs of people who require more nuanced expression. Experts typically look for user trials, caregiver training materials and objective measures of outcomes; those items weren’t provided in the initial release.

What comes next and where to learn more

123Invent says it plans further testing and limited production runs before broader distribution. The company invited interested parties — caregivers, therapists and small distributors — to contact them through the channels listed in the release for updates and ordering information. If CTK-1696 reaches the market at a genuinely low price and with decent durability, it could fill a practical niche. For now, it’s an intriguing, pared-back option that needs more real-world proof.

Sources

• prnewswire.com