Empower 1.26 Software Update

The latest version of Empower® software brings new features and vocabulary updates. Update your device to Empower 1.26 today!

How to Update Your Accent Device

To update, plug your Accent® device in using the provided battery charger and connect it to Wi-Fi. In Empower, choose Menu > Toolbox > System Settings. Select the Updates tile and follow the prompts. Remember: You won't be able to use the device during the update, so choose a time when device use is less needed or lite-tech AAC could be used. 

New Button Action: Speak Message Window

Available for all vocabularies, this new button action allows communicators to speak aloud the message window with the push of a button in their vocabulary. This could be a helpful change for those who use eye tracking and want their message window to be read only.

Faster Way to Add Verbs to Minspeak® Vocabularies

There’s now a more efficient way to add a verb to a Unity® Sequenced file or LAMP Words for Life® - Full. Enter the root verb, such as “slay”, and let the software do the rest. After you enter the new verb, all of the conjugated verbs forms are auto-populated to save you time. Check out this feature in new and existing vocabulary files!

Default English Keyboard Refresh

Default English keyboards in Empower have been updated.

• All keyboard grid sizes (84, 60, 45, 36, 28, and 15) have been revised for more efficient use
• Word Finder is now in the top righthand corner of every keyboard
• All numbers are now in a row format, rather than in a keypad organization
• Most symbols now return you to “home” after selection

Essence Vocabulary Refresh

Essence® has been updated! Here are changes to both Essence 60- and 84-location files unless noted otherwise.

• Enter/exit tabs have been added to the top of every Essence page to increase efficiency
• A new APPS tab has been added at the top of all Essence home screens with links to three smart home page sets (Google™, Siri®, and Alexa™), Join-In web apps, text messaging, an accessible browser and the IR remotes app so you can use your device to control your environment and participate in digital communication
• A new TOOLS tab has been added to the top of all Essence home screens
• A new 123/SYMBOLS tab has been added to the top of all Essence home screens with symbols that close upon activation returning you to the main page; this means you can now navigate to numbers from any page rather than always needing to return to the home screen first
• ABOUT ME and MY STORIES tabs are now condensed into one page to reduce navigation
• The BODY and CARE tabs have been combined into one page (60 only)
• Keyboard letters now change cases when the shift or caps lock buttons are selected
• The word “Maybe” has been added to the home screen because adults need more than yes or no in many situations
• Auditory prompts have been added to all letter, number, and volume buttons so they can be heard by a communicator using a scanning access method

Engage Symbol Update

Engage® is a vocabulary that fosters early communication with eye tracking and it helps evaluators determine which access settings work best for an individual. It facilitates growth with eye tracking through fun, interactive activities. The symbols within the Child & Adolescent files have been changed to PRC icons to ensure visibility on your Accent device.

For more information about Empower software on your Accent device, contact your PRC-Saltillo Consultant.

Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader

PRC-Saltillo's Training and Education team is planning engaging activities and courses to celebrate National Reading Month in March. Explore the best ways to use the 2025 Literacy Planner and Calendar along with the new Monarch Reader. Plus, a webinar featuring published AAC authors. Check it out!