Microsoft builds a new generation of Windows adaptive accessories for people with reduced mobility

After Microsoft’s success with the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the Surface Adaptive Kit it launched last fall and has done a lot to make computing and gaming accessible to people of all abilities, the company has taken a new step – -Introduced Adaptive Accessories for Windows.

The first is a Microsoft Adaptive Mouse and a set of accessories that connect to the Microsoft Adaptive Hub in a similar way to how the Xbox Adaptive Controller works — except for the customizable Microsoft Adaptive Buttons ( Microsoft Adaptive Button) can be wirelessly connected to the Hub.

join us on telegram

In addition, the buttons and mouse can be further customized with 3D printed parts, adding the ability to customize the mouse “tail” or button cap to suit a wider range of special needs. According to Microsoft, the mouse, hub and buttons will be compatible with any Windows PC.

Along with the new accessories is a new Inclusive Tech Lab, a successor to the original lab the Xbox team started in 2017. This new technology lab space is designed to be highly modular and to serve as an “embassy for the disabled” as well as accessible technology for physical and virtual visitors.

Separately, Microsoft also highlighted the work it’s working on in Windows 11 — including Live Captions, Voice Access, and Natural Narrator, which are now available in Windows Insider builds and showcased at the recent Future Hybrid Work event.

In addition to its work in Windows, Microsoft has used the Ability Summit to make a ton of improvements to Microsoft Edge, with an emphasis on accessibility. These improvements include automatic image descriptions, automatically generated Alt tags, read aloud and immersive readers and editors.

Leave a Comment