LibreAAC Communication, kept private

Android tablets

Installing LibreAAC

What LibreAAC requires, what an update preserves, and what to back up before uninstalling.

Requirements

LibreAAC supports Android 8.0 (API 26) and later. A landscape tablet gives communication boards more room and matches the interface shown in this guide.

LibreAAC’s Android package contains the application itself. It does not fetch a moving copy of the interface from the web, and it declares no Android internet permission.

Join the closed Google Play test

LibreAAC is not yet publicly listed. Google requires this new developer account to run a closed test with at least 12 testers who remain opted in continuously for at least 14 days before production access can be requested.

To join:

  1. Select Send me an invite.
  2. Send the Google or Google Workspace email address used by your Google Play account. If you write from a different address, include the Play account address in the message.
  3. I add testers manually and will reply with the opt-in link, usually within 24 hours.
  4. Open the link while signed into the invited Google account, opt into the test, and install LibreAAC from Google Play.
  5. Remain opted in for at least 14 continuous days and use the app during the test.

The testing requirement and account rules come from Google Play’s official guidance. Google Play requires a Google Account or Google Workspace account for a closed test. LibreAAC itself does not require an internet connection during normal use, but Google Play needs connectivity to install or update it.

Install from Google Play after public release

After LibreAAC receives production access and is publicly listed:

  1. Open its Google Play listing on the tablet.
  2. Select Install.
  3. Open LibreAAC and complete the one-time return message.
  4. Choose an included communication board or open an OBF or OBZ file.

Google Play may deliver the large bundled boards as an install-time asset pack. They are still opened and imported locally only when selected for the first time.

Installing a release APK

The current signed release is available directly from the public GitHub repository:

Download LibreAAC APK v0.1.13

An APK obtained directly from a trusted LibreAAC release can be installed through Android’s package installer. Android may ask for permission to install apps from that particular browser or file manager.

Only install a release signed by the established LibreAAC signing key. Do not install unsigned build files.

The application source and build documentation are public in the LibreAAC for Android repository.

Use LibreAAC as a dedicated communication device

After installing and testing LibreAAC, you can configure a tablet to start it automatically, keep it fullscreen and restrict accidental access to other applications. See Turn an Android tablet into a dedicated LibreAAC device for the FreeKiosk setup and recovery procedure.

Updates

Installing an update with the same application ID and signing key preserves the local vocabulary library and settings.

Before uninstalling or clearing app data

Uninstalling LibreAAC or clearing its application data removes the local copy stored in LibreAAC. Files deliberately exported to a user-selected folder normally remain there.

Before uninstalling:

  1. Reveal the management row and unlock editing.
  2. Select Save.
  3. Save the complete board set as OBZ, or the board as OBF.
  4. Confirm that the file exists in a user-controlled location.
  5. Back it up according to the communicator’s support plan.

See Opening and saving files for the difference between a local working copy and an exported file.