New Narrator tools in next Windows 10 update

Microsoft plans to make it much easier for blind people and those with poor eyesight to use Windows 10, having announced new tools for Narrator, which reads aloud text on your screen.

In a blog post ( www.snipca. com/22822) Jenny Lay-flurrie, Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer, said that Narrator’s new features will arrive in the Creators Update, due by the end of March. One of the most useful new tools will be the option to install this update using Narrator.

There will be a new keyboard shortcut to launch Narrator, in order to “address feedback from many Windows 10 users”. Instead of pressing Windows key+enter, you’ll need to press Ctrl+windows key+enter. You’ll still be able to launch Narrator using Cortana, or from the Settings window.

She added that Narrator will have 10 new voices, and use a technique called “dynamic ducking” to reduce the volume of other apps when it is speaking.

Browsing the web in Edge should be easier because Narrator will now be able to jump to certain elements on a web page, such as a tick box, a password field or a button.

To turn on Narrator, you need to click its slider in the ‘Ease of Access’ settings (see screenshot). To get to this, click the ‘Ease of Access’ button (a circle with two arrows) at the bottom right of your sign-in screen; or click Start, Settings, ‘Ease of Access’, then select Narrator. See more Narrator tips at www.snipca.com/22823.

Braille support

One of the most significant additions to the Creators Update is support for braille keyboards. Microsoft said that it will support models from more than 35 manufacturers, and over 40 languages and versions of braille.

In her blog post Lay-flurrie, who has been deaf for most of her life, encouraged users of Windows accessibility tools to leave feedback, saying “it’s not just important, it’s essential”. She added: “Together, I know we will push the boundaries of what technology can do to empower people

to achieve more”.

You can tell Microsoft what you think at www.snipca. com/22825, and ask for help via the company’s Disability Answer Desk: www.snipca. com/22826.

She also said that the new tools have been developed in line with the company’s three “guiding principles” of transparency, accountability and inclusivity, adding that she wanted to “keep all of our customers and their abilities top of mind”.