Windows Insiders have a new version of Windows 11 to install and it comes with some interesting improvements for accessibility. The biggest change is Voice Access, which can now isolate your voice to better control your PC while you are in a room full of people.
Voice Access allows you to control your PC with just your voice. Once you start the feature, a dock appears and remains at the top of the screen. That bar displays commands as you enter them, helping confirm what you’ve told your computer.
At the moment, using Voice Access in a room with background noise can be difficult. But that will change with the update to Windows 11 that is now in testing. That update is just the latest in a long line of accessibility improvements from Microsoft.
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Our Mauro Huculak has an excellent piece on 7 accessibility features in Windows 11 that make life easier for everyone.
Windows 11 and earlier versions of Windows have a huge library of features that make computing more accessible.
Microsoft has an extensive support document on all accessibility features in Windows.
Accessibility is everyone’s business. When Microsoft develops a feature or accessory with one type of user in mind, there is often a knock-on effect. For example, reading aloud in Microsoft Edge It makes PDF files more accessible, but it also improves reading comprehension and allows you to multitask while listening to what’s on the screen.
I use Read Aloud every day to review my articles. I find that listening while reading improves comprehension and helps me spot typos or other errors.
New and improved accessibility in Windows 11
The latest Windows Insider build includes several improvements to accessibility features. Voice Access now supports Voice Isolation, which filters out other speakers and background noise.
It’s a small change that makes it possible to use Voice Access in a wider range of work environments. If you rely on Voice Access, a shared office can cause frustration.
Hybrid and in-office work often puts colleagues too close together to use Voice Access. Voice Isolation allows someone who needs the feature to control a PC to work in the same space as their coworkers.
The same Insider build provides support for displays that use the HID (Human Interface Device) standard for Narrator. That plug and play enabled standard support for braille displays and is backed by Microsoft, Apple and other tech giants.
Here is the change log for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000 which relates to accessibility.
Windows 11 Internal Preview, Build 29634.1000
Voice isolation in Voice Access
- Introducing Voice Isolation, a new option in Voice Access that helps you focus on your voice, even when other people are talking nearby. Whether you’re in a shared office, open floor plan, or at home with your family, Voice Isolation filters out other voices and background noise so Voice Access can better understand you. All processing is done privately on your device.
- Getting started
Voice Access now offers three voice recognition modes in Voice Access Settings > Improve voice recognition:- Voice Isolation: Filters out other speakers and background noise (single voice setting required).
- Remove only background noise: Filters out non-speech sounds, such as typing or closing a door. No additional configuration needed.
- No Filtering: Default microphone input without additional processing.
- To set up voice isolation, select it from the menu and follow the short, guided setup where you’ll read a short paragraph out loud so Voice Access can learn your voice. It only takes a minute and your voice data never leaves your device
Narrator
Braille displays now connect instantly to Narrator
- We’re making refreshable braille displays easier to use on Windows. Narrator now supports displays that use the HID standard, an open industry standard for braille displays. If your display is HID compatible, simply connect via USB and start reading – true plug-and-play with no additional setup required. For Bluetooth, pair your HID braille display in Settings > Bluetooth & devices like any other accessory, and you can work wirelessly without being connected to your PC.
- 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 deafblind users can configure their PC independently, right from the first screen. You can customize braille input and output options at any time in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.
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