voice access Archives

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft is working on some seriously exciting Windows 11 improvements – but not everyone will get them

Windows 11 has released a new preview build in the Beta channel, identified as build 26120.3872, which includes enhancements for accessibility and search functionality, particularly for Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon processors. The update introduces Microsoft's 'Reading Coach' app, available for free starting in 2024, as part of the Click to Do functionality that uses AI for context-sensitive actions. Additionally, Voice Access has been improved, allowing users to customize the system's dictionary by adding specific words for better recognition. The update also includes various tweaks to enhance overall functionality, with a focus on expanding access to these features across different devices.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft finally makes this inaccessible accessibility feature more…accessible

Microsoft has introduced a toggle for voice access in the Quick Actions panel of Windows 11 with the latest preview builds (26120.3872 and 26200.5562). This feature allows users to enable voice access directly from the taskbar, improving accessibility for those with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Voice access is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Additionally, users can now add custom words to the voice access dictionary, supporting multiple languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (KB5055640) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - New text actions in Click to Do: "Practice in Reading Coach" for reading fluency and "Read with Immersive Reader" for a distraction-free reading experience, available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Enhanced Windows Search for locating cloud-stored photos by describing content, available to Insiders in the European Economic Area. - Voice Access improvements: users can add custom words to the dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Users can disable cloud content search on their Copilot+ PCs. - File Explorer will now open folders in a new tab by default if an existing window is open. - Notification settings in widgets are being improved. - Windows Security will show additional details for Pluton TPM chips. - The printer renaming dialog has been updated. Fixes include resolving issues with the Start menu, windowing, search on the taskbar, input, Task Manager, and voice access. Known issues include initial build version discrepancies and non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users. Insiders will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055523 & KB5055528 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5055523 for version 24H2 and KB5055528 for version 23H2. These updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues and include critical security patches from the April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will update to Build 26100.3775, while 23H2 will change to 226x1.5191. New features include: - Enhanced Windows Search powered by semantic indexing models. - Improved search for cloud-stored photos on Copilot+ PCs. - A Gamepad keyboard layout added to the touch keyboard. - A new system tray icon for easier access to emoji and panels. - Live captions and real-time translation for communication on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - "Top cards" in Settings for quick access to PC specifications. - Voice access now supports natural language commands and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - Lock screen widgets available on devices in the European Economic Area (EEA). - An icon in the system tray for apps using Windows Studio Effects. - General fixes for various system reliability issues. Some persistent issues include problems playing Roblox from the Store on ARM PCs and an incorrect Event 7023 error regarding SgrmBroker.exe. Users are encouraged to install the updates promptly.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Finally! Microsoft brings most Copilot+ AI features to AMD, Intel PCs

Microsoft has announced that all Copilot+ PCs, including those with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V processors, will now have access to AI-driven features, previously limited to Snapdragon devices. Features available include Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator, though some functionalities, like photo resizing, remain exclusive to Snapdragon-powered PCs. The Voice Access feature is currently limited to Snapdragon devices, with plans for AMD and Intel compatibility later this year. Upcoming features will be available through the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update, following the November 2024 update, and will be rolled out gradually via Windows controlled feature rollout. Users can access updates by navigating to Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Expanding Copilot+ PC experiences across AMD, Intel and Snapdragon powered devices

Last year, Copilot+ PCs were introduced as the fastest, most intelligent, and secure Windows PCs. They have since integrated new silicon, devices, and AI experiences to enhance user interaction and productivity. New accessibility features include Live Captions, which provide real-time translations in English for audio and video content during virtual meetings and media playback, now available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for Simplified Chinese and translations from over 40 languages. Voice Access has also been updated to improve navigation through voice commands. AI-enabled creativity features are now available on AMD and Intel devices, including Cocreator in Paint, which allows users to create designs using text prompts and freehand drawing, and new tools in Photos for transforming images and creating visuals based on prompts. Some features will be available through the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update, requiring the November 2024 update. Features may vary by device and region, with updates continuing through 2025. Users can check for updates in Windows Settings.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft expands AI features across Intel and AMD-powered Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft is enabling all Copilot Plus PCs powered by Intel and AMD processors to generate Live Captions, which translate audio into English subtitles in real time. This feature was initially tested on devices with Intel and AMD chips and is now part of the latest Windows 11 update. The update also includes Cocreator, an AI tool in Paint for generating images from text descriptions, and enhancements to the Photos app's AI image editor and generator. Previously, these features were exclusive to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft is also testing Recall, an AI feature for capturing screenshots of user activity, though its release timeline is not yet announced. Additionally, Voice Access is being refreshed for improved communication, with plans to extend updates to Intel and AMD devices, including the ability to translate 27 languages into Simplified Chinese.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows 11 roadmap? Great for next week but not next year

Microsoft has released a roadmap for Windows 11 that outlines enhancements and features through April 2025, aiming to improve transparency in its development processes. The roadmap highlights the need for clarity on upcoming releases to help IT professionals manage changes, though the timeline for new features raises concerns due to their proximity to release dates. The Improved Voice Access feature is scheduled for a non-security update in April 2025. The Copilot+ PC platform, which will host these features, has not gained significant market traction, potentially leaving administrators unprepared for implementation. Several features, such as Click to Do and Recall, have remained in preview since November 2024 without clear timelines for general availability. The roadmap appears to focus more on consumer-oriented features, with IT professionals seeking clarity on enterprise-critical functionalities and issues like disruptions to printing capabilities. Microsoft has indicated that the roadmap's initial focus is on client devices, with future announcements anticipated, including a potential "Windows Server 2025 surprise installation" and the removal of the Windows 10 upgrade block around October 2025.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5053657, currently in its preview phase. This update includes significant accessibility enhancements in File Explorer, ensuring uniform text scaling across all elements. It introduces PC spec cards in the Settings app, providing insights into CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics card. A new gamepad keyboard layout allows typing via an Xbox controller, and a new emoji button has been added to the taskbar for emojis, GIFs, and clipboard access. Voice Access now supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The full release of these features is expected on April 8 as part of the April cumulative update.