14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is betting big on accessibility in the long term, and the company is therefore working around the clock on improving this side of its desktop operating system.
The most recent preview build of Windows 11 and shipped to insiders in the Dev channel therefore introduces more natural voices for Narrator, thus making it easier to work with this feature.
“We’re introducing more natural voices for Narrator. More natural voices enable Narrator users to enjoy scenarios like browsing the web, reading, and authoring mail, and more. Natural Narrator voices use modern, on-device text to speech and once downloaded are supported without an internet connection. Natural Narrator voices are available in English-U.S,” Microsoft announced today.
Exclusive to insiders for now
The two new voices are called Jenny and Aria, and they can be installed when launching the Narrator.
“Select “Install now” on the announcement window to go to Narrator Settings to add the new voices. From there you can select “Add” button under the “Add natural voices” section. The dialog allows you to select either the “Jenny” or “Aria” voice. Both voices can be installed but must be installed separately. You can click “Preview” to hear a preview of the voice and you can select “Install” to start the download of the selected voice,” the company says.
This build also introduces new Narrator keyboard shortcuts, so for example, you can press the Narrator + Alt + minus/plus keys to move to the previous or next voice in the settings screen.
Needless to say, these new natural voices are currently available in preview, and at this point, it’s not yet clear if Microsoft wants to release them to users as part of the major Windows 11 update coming next month.
However, given they’re only now making their way to Windows 11 preview builds, there’s a chance we’ll have to wait longer for them.