Windows Insiders have a new build of Windows 11 to install, and it comes with some interesting improvements accessibility. The biggest change is in Voice Input, can now isolate your voice to better control your computer when you’re in a crowded room.
Voice Access lets you control your computer with just your voice. After you enable the feature, the dock appears and stays at the top of your screen. That panel displays commands as you type, helping your computer confirm what you’re saying.
Currently, using Voice Input in a room with background noise can be difficult. But that will change with the Windows 11 update, which is currently in testing. This improvement is just the latest in a series of accessibility improvements from Microsoft.
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Microsoft and accessibility
Windows 10 added eye tracking in 2017. This feature allows you to type with your eyes.
Microsoft has long prioritized accessibility. This is truly one of my favorite parts of the company. Here are just a few of the Windows features and pieces of hardware we’ve covered over the past few years as part of Microsoft’s push to make the technology more accessible.
We have a great piece in our Mauro Huculak 7 accessibility features in Windows 11 that make life easier for everyone.
Windows 11 and earlier versions of Windows have an extensive library of features that make computing more accessible.
Microsoft has an extensive support document All accessibility features of Windows.
Accessibility is for everyone. When Microsoft develops a feature or accessory with one type of user in mind, there is often a knock-on effect. For example, read aloud Microsoft Edge It makes PDF documents more accessible, but it also improves reading comprehension and allows you to multitask while hearing what’s on your screen.
I use the Read Aloud function every day to prove that you read my articles. I find that listening as you read improves comprehension and helps you spot typos or other mistakes.
New and improved accessibility in Windows 11
The latest Windows Insider build includes several improvements to accessibility features. Voice Access now supports Sound Isolation, which filters out other speakers and background noise.
This is a small change that allows you to use Voice Input in a wider range of work environments. If you rely on Voice Input, a shared office can be frustrating.
Hybrid and in-office work often puts colleagues too close together to use Voice Input. Sound Isolation allows a person who needs the ability to operate a personal computer to work in the same space as their colleagues.
The same Insider build brings support for displays using the HID (Human Interface Device) standard. Standard enabled plug-and-play support for Braille displays Supported by Microsoft, Apple and other tech giants.
Here it is change log For Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000, which applies to accessibility.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000
Sound insulation at the sound input
- Introducing Sound Isolation, a new option in Audio Input that helps you focus on your voice even when others are talking nearby. Whether you’re in a shared office, an open floor plan, or at home with your family, Sound Isolation filters out other sounds and background noise so Voice Input can better understand you. All processing happens privately on your device.
- It starts
Voice Input now offers three speech recognition modes under Voice Input settings > Improve speech recognition:- Sound Isolation — Filters out other speakers and background noise (requires one-time sound setup).
- Remove background noise only — Filters non-speech sounds such as typing or door slamming. No additional installation required.
- No Filtering — Default microphone input with no additional processing.
- To set up Sound Isolation, select it from the menu and follow a short, guided setup where you’ll read a short paragraph aloud so that Voice Input can learn your voice. It only takes a minute and your voice data never leaves your device
Presenter
Braille displays now integrate instantly with Narrator
- We make upgradable braille displays easy to use on Windows. Narrator now supports displays using the HID standard – the open industry standard for braille displays. If your display supports HID, just connect it via USB and start reading — true plug-and-play with no additional installation required. Connect the HID braille display for Bluetooth like any other accessory in Settings > Bluetooth and devices, and you can work wirelessly without connecting to your computer.
- Compatible HID displays include models such as the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.
- HID braille displays now work during the Windows initial setup experience (OOBE) over USB, meaning hearing-impaired users can set up their PC independently from the first screen. You can customize the input and output options at any time in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.
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