ExtempReady Privacy Policy
This is the privacy policy for the ExtempReady app ("ExtempReady"), built by ControlBytes, LLC. ("ControlBytes," "we," "us"). Each app we build handles data differently, so ExtempReady has its own policy rather than sharing one with our other software. For how the ControlBytes website itself handles data, see the website privacy policy.
What data exists, and who creates it
Using ExtempReady, you can create records like: timing presets, session history, analysis results (pace, pauses, volume, vocal variety), and optionally a saved transcript or video recording of a rehearsal. All of it is created by you using the app. ExtempReady doesn't collect anything on its own in the background.
Where it lives
Everything above is stored locally on your iPhone, using Apple's on-device SwiftData storage and local file storage for recordings. ExtempReady does not operate a server or cloud backend and does not require an account to use. The app's data store and any saved recordings are explicitly excluded from iCloud device backup, not just from sync, so they don't leave the device even in a backup.
How rehearsal analysis works
Pace, pauses, volume, and vocal variety are calculated directly from raw microphone audio energy while you speak. They don't require converting your voice to text at all. A planned future feature (detecting filler and repeated words) will need a transcript; when it ships, it will use Apple's on-device-only speech recognition, with no network fallback under any circumstance.
Apple Watch connectivity
Haptic cues are sent from your iPhone to your Apple Watch using Apple's device-to-device Watch connectivity. This connection is direct between your own two devices and does not pass through a ControlBytes server.
Video Rehearsal
If you use Video Rehearsal, the recording is saved locally in the app's own storage, not your Photos library, unless you deliberately export it. You can delete individual recordings or everything at once from Settings at any time.
Permissions ExtempReady may request
- Microphone: for Live Coach and Rehearsal Review analysis.
- Camera: for Video Rehearsal.
- Speech Recognition: only for transcript-based analysis features, requested at the point you first use one.
Each is requested only when the related feature is first used, and each can be denied. ExtempReady simply won't offer that specific feature if you say no.
No ads, no analytics, no data sale
ExtempReady contains no advertising, no third-party analytics SDKs, and no tracking libraries. We don't sell or share your data with anyone, because we don't have a copy of it to begin with.
Data retention and deletion
You choose what a session keeps: results only, a transcript, or the full recording. Data stays on the phone until you delete a specific item or delete the app itself, which removes everything ExtempReady stored (standard iOS behavior for local app data). Settings also includes a "Delete All ExtempReady Data" option that clears every preset, session, and recording immediately. Because ControlBytes never receives a copy, there's nothing on our end to separately delete.
Security
ExtempReady's data is protected by your iPhone's own device security (passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID), the same as any other locally-stored app data.
Use by students and teenagers
ExtempReady is built with competitive speech and debate students in mind, and is designed to be usable by teenagers without an account or a parent's setup. It is not specifically directed at children under 13. Whatever the user's age, the app collects nothing beyond what's described above, and none of it is ever transmitted to ControlBytes or anyone else.
Changes to This Policy
If this policy changes (including if ExtempReady's architecture changes to add optional cloud sync or AI features in the future), this page will be updated and the "Effective" date above will change accordingly.
Contact
Questions about this policy or how ExtempReady handles data can be sent to info@controlbytes.com.