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Windows 11 New Build Adds Screen Tint, Voice Isolation, and Plug-and-Play Braille Display Support
Winsage
May 25, 2026

Windows 11 New Build Adds Screen Tint, Voice Isolation, and Plug-and-Play Braille Display Support

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497, introducing new accessibility features including a Screen Tint option, Voice Isolation in Voice Access, and upgrades to Magnifier and Narrator. The Screen Tint setting allows users to apply a color overlay to reduce screen brightness, beneficial for those with eye strain. It can be accessed in the Settings menu under Accessibility and operates independently of the Night Light feature. The update also enhances Narrator by adding support for plug-and-play braille displays that comply with the HID standard, allowing immediate connection via USB without additional drivers. Compatible braille models include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. The build addresses several bugs, including a crash in explorer.exe, duplicate Energy Saver quick settings, and issues with audio muting on certain devices. Build 26300.8497 is being rolled out to the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel, with no announcement yet on availability for the broader user base.
Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026
Winsage
May 23, 2026

Announcing new builds for 22 May 2026

The Windows Insider Program is rolling out changes across various channels, with new builds of Windows 11 Insider Preview available. The transition for devices in the Canary 29500 Series Channel to the new experience has not yet begun. New features include: 1. Screen Tint: An accessibility feature that applies a color overlay to reduce screen intensity. 2. Narrator: Enhanced support for HID-compatible braille displays, allowing for plug-and-play functionality via USB or Bluetooth. 3. Voice Isolation in Voice Access: A feature that improves voice recognition by filtering out background noise, processing occurs privately on the device.
Advanced Protection Mode in Android 17 prevents apps from misusing Accessibility Services
AppWizard
March 16, 2026

Advanced Protection Mode in Android 17 prevents apps from misusing Accessibility Services

Android 17 has introduced Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) to enhance user security by preventing non-accessibility applications from using the Accessibility API, which has been exploited by malware. AAPM allows only verified accessibility tools to utilize the API and implements stricter security settings, including blocking installations from unknown sources, limiting USB data access, and mandating Google Play Protect scans. Applications must declare themselves as accessibility tools with the attribute isAccessibilityTool="true" to use the Accessibility Services API. Additionally, Android 17 features a new contacts picker that allows applications to request access to specific contact fields instead of the entire address book, enhancing user privacy.
Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse
AppWizard
March 16, 2026

Android 17 Blocks Non-Accessibility Apps from Accessibility API to Prevent Malware Abuse

Google is piloting a security enhancement in its Android Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) that restricts certain applications from using the accessibility services API. This update is part of Android 17 Beta 2. AAPM, introduced in Android 16, enhances device security by blocking app installations from unknown sources, restricting USB data signaling, and mandating Google Play Protect scanning. Developers can integrate with AAPM through the AdvancedProtectionManager API to adapt their apps based on the security mode's status. The new restriction prevents non-accessibility apps from accessing the accessibility services API, allowing only verified accessibility tools like screen readers and voice-based input tools. Non-accessibility apps, including antivirus software and password managers, will have their access revoked when AAPM is activated, and users cannot grant permissions to these apps unless AAPM is disabled. Additionally, Android 17 introduces a new contacts picker feature that allows developers to specify which fields to access from a user's contact list, providing more granular control over data access.
Android's Advanced Protection Mode now targets your favorite customization, automation apps
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

Android’s Advanced Protection Mode now targets your favorite customization, automation apps

Google is refining its Advanced Protection Mode to enhance security for high-risk individuals by implementing new restrictions on the AccessibilityService API. This API, while beneficial for users with disabilities, has been misused by various applications, leading to security vulnerabilities. Google now requires applications that assist users with disabilities to declare their status as Accessibility Tools by including the isAccessibilityTool attribute in their metadata. Recent updates in the Android Canary 2602 release allow Advanced Protection Mode to disable access to the Accessibility Service API for apps that do not qualify as Accessibility Tools, revoking any previously granted permissions. When enabled, Advanced Protection Mode restricts apps like dynamicSpot, which rely on the Accessibility Service API, while allowing classified Accessibility Tools to function normally. This change aims to improve security by treating non-Accessibility Tools as incompatible with a secure environment.
This Thief fan mission has you play a blind character trying to steal back their sight, and honestly that's probably the least weird thing about it
AppWizard
January 17, 2026

This Thief fan mission has you play a blind character trying to steal back their sight, and honestly that’s probably the least weird thing about it

Selection Day is a newly released fan mission for the classic game Thief 2, set in a dystopian future where a City faces sinkholes and blindness. Players navigate using a braille system and machines that project braille into the air. The mission's objective is to "Seek Remedy for Your Blindness," and players take on the role of a court judge whose journey is interrupted by an Ocular Superior. It is recommended to use T2fix and an FM launcher like Angelloader, and to play in 1080p resolution for an enhanced experience. The designer of the mission is Hanover Aldercash.
2025 – A year in recap
Winsage
December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.
Windows 11 KB5065789 24H2 out with AI in Explorer, direct download links (.msu)
Winsage
September 30, 2025

Windows 11 KB5065789 24H2 out with AI in Explorer, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5065789 has started rolling out for version 24H2, introducing enhancements such as AI actions in File Explorer and the ability to reposition hardware indicators for volume and brightness. This update is available through Windows Update and as an offline installer (.msu). It is an optional update within the September 2025 update cycle and will not install automatically. Users can expect all features and fixes to be included in the upcoming Windows 11 October 2025 Patch Tuesday on October 7. The update includes: - Build Number: 26100.6725 - Size: 3932.4 MB for x64-based and 3726.2 MB for arm64-based - Installation process took approximately five minutes with a download size of around 1.5GB via Windows Update. New features in Windows 11 Build 26100.6725 include: 1. AI-related features in the Click to Do context menu on Copilot+ PCs. 2. AI Actions for images in File Explorer, including Visual Search with Bing. 3. The ability to reposition on-screen hardware indicators. 4. A revamped “Advanced Settings” page for managing File Explorer features. 5. Improved performance in File Explorer, particularly in loading context menus. Additional enhancements include modernized dialog boxes, improved AI search capabilities, new options for sharing pinned apps, support for Braille Viewer in Narrator, and expanded access to passkey managers. Features may not be immediately available after installation due to a gradual rollout, which could take one to three weeks. There is a known issue with certain legacy Digital TV applications experiencing problems with DRM-protected content, but popular streaming services remain unaffected.
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