Microsoft has unveiled a fresh series of Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders, specifically targeting those on the Experimental and Beta Channels. Among the noteworthy enhancements is a newly designed scrollable side pane within the Phone companion area of the Start Menu, aimed at improving user experience. This feature allows users to easily access and view their recent mobile activities.
Enhancements for Accessibility and Usability
In the Experimental build 26340.9577, users will find that energy recommendations are now conveniently accessible directly from the system tray’s Quick Settings area, streamlining the process of managing energy consumption.
For those on the Beta Channel, the latest build 26220.9568 introduces a user-friendly feature that allows individuals to preview the content of a recent message in the Phone Companion simply by hovering the mouse cursor over it. This subtle yet impactful addition enhances the overall efficiency of navigating through messages.
Accessibility has also taken center stage with the introduction of new Pointer Indicator settings. Located under Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch, this feature adds crosshair effects to the mouse pointer, making it significantly easier for users with low vision to locate their cursor. The functionality can be toggled on or off using the convenient Win + Ctrl + X keyboard shortcut.
Additionally, the new Beta build presents a contrast theme toggle within the Magnifier tool, catering to users who may find bright screens uncomfortable. This feature differs from the existing Color inversion option, as it recolors the interface without altering the original hues of photos, videos, and charts, thus preserving the integrity of visual content.
While Microsoft also rolled out new 26H1 preview builds for Insiders on both channels, these updates do not introduce any new features. It is worth noting that there was no new release from the Experimental (Future Platforms) segment today, keeping the focus on enhancing the current user experience within Windows 11.
