If you’re like many of us in the office, you’re probably used to using Classic Outlook for your email and calendar needs. However, with the release of Windows 11, a new version of Outlook has emerged, which may cause some confusion.
The new Outlook, which comes pre-installed on Windows 11 devices, has had its fair share of accessibility issues in the past. But, according to a recent news item from Microsoft, and with our own observations, the company has been working hard to address these concerns.
But what does this mean in terms of accessibility?
The new Outlook offers several improvements:
– Immersive Reader: This feature allows users to listen to emails and adjust text settings for better readability. It also includes options like font size adjustment, text spacing, and syllable highlighting.
– Dictation: The new Outlook features a Dictation feature for speech-to-text email drafting, making it easier for users with physical disability to compose emails.
– Enlarged email content: Users can now enlarge email content to make it easier to read, reducing eye strain and improving readability.
– Adjustable themes: The new Outlook allows users to adjust themes, including high contrast options, to suit their visual needs.
– Keyboard shortcuts: The new Outlook offers an extensive range of keyboard shortcuts, making it easier for users with physical disability to navigate and use the application.
– Screen reader support: Microsoft has worked with assistive technology providers like Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA to create a more seamless reading experience for screen reader users.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available. For more information, please read Microsoft’s blog post on Outlook.