It is reported that Windows 11 22H2 is expected to release an RTM version this month. Before the release, Microsoft introduced 4 notable accessibility features in the official blog: a more immersive Focus experience, system-level real-time subtitles, more powerful voice access tools, and a more natural Narrator intonation.
A more immersive Focus experience
A more immersive Focus experience includes turning on the Do Not Disturb option from the Action Center. The new Do Not Disturb setting makes the whole process easier by letting you choose which notifications are prioritized when turned on.
Focus sessions are another noteworthy feature that will help you be more productive on Windows. After starting a Focus session, Windows 11 will turn on Do Not Disturb and turn off the taskbar badge and will start a timer to remind you to take breaks between work. It integrates with Clock app and Spotify.
System-level live captions
Windows 11 now integrates system-level live captions. As the name suggests, Windows 11 can automatically transcribe the content of any audio clip. It’s worth noting that since the subtitles are generated on-device, the feature doesn’t require an internet connection to work. The feature is already available for Windows 11 Insiders.
Enhanced voice access
Additionally, Windows 11 users use their voice to open and switch apps, browse the web, and read and compose emails. When you turn on Voice Access for the first time, Windows 11 prompts you to download a speech model for on-device speech recognition to help you get started. Notably, Voice Access supports US English. The feature is already available for Windows 11 Insiders.
Voice Access includes an interactive guide explaining how to use your voice to complete common tasks. You can also access the full list of commands by asking “What can I say?” while Voice Access is listening. Voice Access even gives real-time feedback on what it hears, so when it makes a mistake, you know which word wasn’t recognized correctly.
Add natural voice to Narrator
After hearing customer feedback on the Narrator experience, Microsoft is finally adding natural speech to Narrator, enabling visually impaired people to enjoy browsing the web, reading, writing emails, and more. Like the Voice Access feature, Narrator Natural Voice also supports US English.