Microsoft has recently released the latest build of Windows 11 for 2023 in the Beta Channel. This build, known as Windows 11 Build 22635.2915, is considered a minor upgrade with several adjustments and modifications to voice access. As a Beta Build, Insiders have had access to numerous changes over the past few weeks, including the addition of a character counter to Notepad in Windows 11.
Discontinuation of Windows Speech Recognition
Microsoft has made the decision to discontinue Windows Speech Recognition, a feature that was initially introduced with Windows Vista. This move highlights the increasing importance of voice access as a crucial capability. Voice access is more powerful and is regularly updated with new capabilities.
New Features in Windows 11 Beta Build
Extended Language Support, Multi-Screen, and Voice Shortcuts
Windows 11 Beta Build introduces several new features. It includes extended language support, allowing Windows to expand speech capabilities for additional languages such as German, French (France), Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Mexico). Additionally, multi-display support has been improved, enabling users to utilize voice access capabilities across multiple displays. This includes number and grid overlays that were previously only accessible on the primary display. Microsoft is also introducing voice shortcuts and custom commands for users to make their instructions, specifically for English voice access users.
Improved Discoverability of Screencasting
Windows 11 now offers improved discoverability of screencasting. Users can now wirelessly expand their display to nearby PCs, TVs, or other external displays using Casting on their Windows PC. Microsoft has made updates to emphasize the discoverability of Cast in Windows 11, including providing the option to Cast via a notification toast while multitasking on the PC. They have also enhanced the Cast flyout in Quick Settings to address connecting issues and finding adjacent displays.
New Features and Improvements in Windows 365 Boot
Windows 365 Boot introduces a dedicated mode, allowing users to boot up to their Windows 365 Cloud PC using their assigned company-owned device. This mode offers password-less authentication techniques like Windows Hello for Business for easy login. The dedicated mode also includes features such as remembering usernames, displaying photos on the lock and login screens, and a quick account switcher experience. Windows 365 Boot users will have access to a private preview of this functionality in early 2024.
Windows 365 Boot also allows organizations to personalize the login page in shared mode with their Intune business logo. Additionally, a fail-fast mechanism has been implemented to alert users in advance if there are network problems or unfinished setups during the Cloud PC sign-in process. Users can now also manage local PC settings through Windows 365 Boot, making it easier to view and control device-specific settings.
New Features and Enhancements in Windows 365 Switch
Windows 365 Switch now offers an improved disconnect experience, allowing users to disconnect directly from their local PC to their Cloud PC. The desktop indicators have been updated to differentiate between Cloud PC and local PC, displaying "Cloud PC" and "Local PC" on the desktop indication. Users will also receive updates on the Cloud PC connection status and the connection timeout indicator while on the connection page. In case of errors, a copy button has been included to quickly fix mistakes by copying the correlation ID from the error screen.
Other General Updates
Windows Speech Recognition has been replaced with voice access in Windows 11. Voice access is a new assistive technology that utilizes on-device speech recognition to create text and manage the computer without requiring an internet connection. Nearby Sharing has been added, allowing users to give their device a more friendly name for easier sharing. Narrator users can now dictate text, use voice interaction with screen components, and utilize voice access to launch programs. Task Manager now allows users to choose the dump file location when generating one for a process. A bug related to the backdrop bouncing when switching between desktops has been fixed.
Notepad Update
Windows is distributing a Notepad update (version 11.2311.33.0) via the Beta Channel to Windows Insiders. This update brings enhancements such as the ability to quickly open and edit files in Notepad directly from File Explorer. A character count display has also been added to the status bar, allowing users to keep track of the length of their documents.
Enabling Windows 11 Beta Build
All Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will now be running the same build, 22635.xxxx, through an enablement package. To receive the latest updates as soon as they become available, Windows Insiders can enable the option in Settings > Windows Update.
These updates and features demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to improving the user experience and accessibility of Windows 11. Users can expect more enhancements and improvements as Windows 11 continues to evolve.
