Microsoft is now testing a new Windows 10 feature called “Voice Launcher” that can improve the way you interact with applications and files. The upgraded search experience will also provide support for the search box in the Settings app, Windows File Explorer, and Windows Search (search box).
As early as September of this year, Microsoft began testing a new and improved software keyboard (also known as a touch keyboard). The touch keyboard is equipped with a new emoji selector and a feature called “Windows Voice Input”, which will now appear in the search box of the File Explorer, the “Settings” app, and the “Start” menu.
The new experimental voice input function will be automatically displayed in the operating system wherever there is a text field with the Windows search API. You can also use the Windows Narrator shortcut “Win + H” to access the new voice input experience.
As you can see in the screenshot, the new voice launcher uses a modern design and is optimized for all form factors.
You can also pause the voice dictation, or enable the “auto punctuation” function, which will automatically insert punctuation marks (period, question mark, etc.) where appropriate.
Microsoft is currently experimenting with this new feature in the following regions and languages:
- English: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India.
- French: France and Canada.
- Portuguese: Brazil.
- Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, and simplified Chinese.
Microsoft also hopes that users can contribute to its voice search database so that everyone who speaks a native language can get a “more accurate” experience.
“The voice input you use daily allows Microsoft’s online voice technology to provide a more accurate experience for everyone who speaks a native language. If you decide to contribute your voice clips, some of them will be reviewed by Microsoft employees and suppliers.” Microsoft pointed out.
According to Microsoft, if you choose to enable this optional feature, your voice clips will be reviewed by Microsoft and the supplier, but the voice will not be linked to your account, and the clips with personal information will be deleted.
Microsoft is still testing the new voice search experience, which will be included in the October 2021 update of Windows 10.
If for some reason, you don’t like this voice search, you can disable it from the main settings app at any time.
(via)
