Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4371 (KB504498) to the Beta Channel, introducing significant improvements to Snap Layouts and the Narrator tool. (blogs.windows.com)

Enhanced Snap Layouts

The Snap Layouts feature, designed to streamline window management, has received under-the-hood enhancements aimed at improving the relevance of app suggestions when snapping windows. Users are encouraged to test this feature by snapping various apps and providing feedback on the suggestions presented. (blogs.windows.com)

Narrator Improvements

The Narrator tool, essential for accessibility, has been updated with several new features:

  • New Shortcut: A new keyboard shortcut, INLINECODE0 , has been added to copy the last spoken phrase to the clipboard. This follows the existing pattern of INLINECODE1 , which repeats the last spoken phrase aloud, facilitating easier memorization of similar shortcuts. (blogs.windows.com)
  • Auto-Reading Emails: Narrator now automatically reads the contents of emails in the new Outlook app, mirroring the behavior of the classic Outlook version. (blogs.windows.com)

Bug Fixes

The update also addresses several issues:

  • File Explorer: The search box in File Explorer has been adjusted to prevent it from extending beyond the window's edge. (blogs.windows.com)
  • Narrator Performance: A performance issue where Narrator would slow down after 15 minutes of continuous use with a single application has been resolved. (blogs.windows.com)

Snipping Tool Update

An update to the Snipping Tool introduces a new "Copy as table" feature, allowing users to copy structured table data into emails, documents, or spreadsheets. This feature works best when the screenshot includes only one table. (blogs.windows.com)

Implications and Impact

These enhancements reflect Microsoft's ongoing commitment to improving user experience and accessibility in Windows 11. The refined Snap Layouts aim to make multitasking more efficient, while the Narrator improvements enhance accessibility for users relying on screen readers. The Snipping Tool update further streamlines workflows by facilitating the easy transfer of table data.

Technical Details

  • Snap Layouts: The behind-the-scenes changes to Snap Layouts are part of a gradual rollout, with users encouraged to provide feedback on the relevance of app suggestions. (blogs.windows.com)
  • Narrator: The new shortcut INLINECODE2 aligns with existing Narrator shortcuts, following the pattern of INLINECODE3 for repeating the last spoken phrase. (blogs.windows.com)
  • Snipping Tool: The "Copy as table" feature is available in Snipping Tool version 11.2409.23.0 and newer. (blogs.windows.com)

Conclusion

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4371 brings meaningful enhancements to Snap Layouts and Narrator, alongside a useful update to the Snipping Tool. These improvements aim to enhance productivity and accessibility, aligning with Microsoft's focus on refining the user experience in Windows 11.

Reference Links