Windows 11 takes small step to fix the horrible new Outlook app

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What you need to know

  • Microsoft released Windows 11 Build 27749 to Insiders in the Canary Channel.
  • The update adds a new shortcut that lets you copy the most recent thing Narrator said.
  • Microsoft also added a feature that allows Narrator to auto-read contents in the new Outlook app, which is similar to what was supported in the old Outlook app.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but appreciate the continuous efforts Microsoft is putting into making Windows 11 more accessible for everyone. The latest addition of a shortcut to copy the last thing Narrator said and the auto-read feature in the new Outlook app are welcome improvements that cater to users with visual impairments, which is commendable.

Users in the Canary Channel of Windows Insiders receive a fresh installation option for their system, enhancing the accessibility of Windows 11. This week’s rollout brings two new narrator features with Build 27749. If you are already part of the Insider group, you can update to this latest build via the Windows 11 Settings app. It is important to note that Microsoft currently has no plans to release an SDK for this build or any other builds in the 27xxx series, at least temporarily.

In Windows 11, a fresh keyboard shortcut has been introduced to quickly copy the most recent utterance made by the Narrator. To do this, simply press the ‘Narrator key’ along with ‘control’ and ‘x’. This shortcut is similar to the one that re-plays the last spoken phrase by the Narrator (using the ‘Narrator key’ and ‘X’). Therefore, it should be straightforward to recall this new feature.

In the revamped Outlook application, text can be automatically read aloud. This feature was previously available within the traditional Outlook platform as well. However, due to its being a web application, the new Outlook has sparked controversy. Earlier this year, our Senior Editor expressed his dislike for it. Despite its ongoing issues, at least the auto-reading of emails is now possible in the updated version.

Microsoft outlined all the changes, improvements, and fixes in the build in a blog post.

Windows 11 Build 27749: Changes and Improvements

Narrator

  • We have added a new shortcut “Narrator key + control + X” to copy what Narrator last spoke to clipboard. It follows the pattern of using “Narrator key + X” which repeats the last spoken phrase out loud and is a good way to memorize similar shortcuts. You can use these shortcuts to review and copy what Narrator spoke, useful in cases you want to quickly copy some content or descriptions or codes/numbers for use.
  • Narrator will now auto-read contents of a mail in the new Outlook app similar to behavior in Outlook classic.

Windows 11 Build 27749: Fixes

File Explorer

  • Fixed an issue which was causing the items in the navigation pane to become very spread out (with unexpected padding between each item) for some people.
  • Fixed an underlying issue which was causing RAW images taken in portrait mode to unexpectedly display in landscape mode thumbnails.

Taskbar & System Tray

  • Made a change so you will now see a search box if the taskbar auto-hides when the setting for search on the taskbar is set to “Search box” (rather than an icon).

Input

Narrator

  • We have addressed a performance issue where Narrator would slow down after 15 minutes of continuous use with a single application. If you continue to experience any performance delays, do report using Feedback Hub.
  • Fixed an issue where Narrator would add an additional announcement “contains style” whenever its focus is on text that has styling attributes such as bullets, numbers across applications such as Microsoft Edge, Teams, Outlook, etc.
  • Fixed an issue where few dialogs in Narrator were not adopting the 200% text scaling setting in Windows.

Task Manager

  • Fixed an issue causing Task Manager to show a 0 count for apps and processes.

Audio

  • Fixed an underlying issue that could lead to the audio on certain audio devices unexpectedly going to 100% on boot or after sleep.
  • Fixed a blank entry in Settings > Privacy, which was crashing Settings if you clicked it.

Other

  • Mitigated an issue resulting in Git not working for Insiders with Arm PCs in the previous flight.
  • Fixed an issue causing some insiders to see a bugcheck with KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION in the previous flight.
  • Fixed an underlying issue which could potentially lead to not being able to join a domain.
  • Fixed an issue where DirectAccess wasn’t working and might stay stuck in a connecting state.

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2024-11-14 17:10