📢 Windows 11 Build 23590 adds Narrator improvements

What’s new and improved in Windows 11 Build 23590?

Natural Voices Previews

One of the standout features in Windows 11 Build 23590, is the introduction of natural voices previews in Narrator. Microsoft has added previews for 10 new locales launched in September 2023, including Chinese, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico), Japanese, English (UK), French, Portuguese, English (India), German, and Korean. Users can now listen to these natural voices before deciding to download the voice model.

These natural Narrator voices utilize modern, on-device text-to-speech technology, ensuring a seamless experience once downloaded. It's worth noting that, unlike some other voice services, these voices can be used without an internet connection after downloading. To access the previews, an internet connection is required. Here's a quick guide on how to add natural voices to your PC:

1. Open Narrator Settings using the WIN + CTRL + N hotkey.
2. Under Narrator's voice, click the Add button next to Add natural voices.
3. Select the desired voice(s) for installation.
4. The preview will play automatically as you navigate through the list.
5. If satisfied, click "Download and Install". The chosen voice will be ready for use shortly.

Enhanced Image Consumption Experience

Windows 11 Build 23590, also brings improvements to the image consumption experience within Narrator. There are two major enhancements:

Navigation Shortcut for Images/Graphics

Users can now effortlessly navigate between images and graphics on a screen or page using the "G" key to move forward and Shift + G to move backward. This functionality is available in Scan mode, activated by the Narrator key + spacebar combination.

Improved Text Recognition and Image Descriptions

Recognition of text within images, including handwritten content, has been enhanced. Users can now explore an improved image description experience by navigating to an image and pressing the Narrator key + CTRL + D key combination. It's important to note that this feature requires an active internet connection, and the option to get Image Descriptions must be enabled in Narrator Settings.

Summary

Windows 11 Build 23590, introduces compelling enhancements to Narrator, furthering Microsoft's commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible computing experience. With natural voices previews and improved image consumption features, this update caters to a diverse user base, ensuring that Windows remains a platform that prioritizes usability for everyone. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel can look forward to a more refined and user-friendly Narrator experience with this latest build.