413429 – Outlook: Auto-reading emails with Narrator

Product:

Outlook

Platform:

Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

This feature will allow users utilizing the Windows Narrator screen reader tool to have messages read aloud automatically after opening the email. #newoutlookforwindows

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-08-24

updated:
2024-08-24

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Degradation
If the auto-reading feature is implemented without proper user training, users may find it disruptive or confusing, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-new-features-in-outlook-for-windows/

Accessibility Issues
Inadequate preparation for the new feature may result in users with disabilities facing challenges if the feature does not work as intended, potentially leading to exclusion from effective communication.
   - roles: Accessibility Coordinators, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-new-features-in-outlook-for-windows/

Configutation Options**

Disable Auto-Reading of Emails
You can disable the auto-reading feature in Outlook for users who do not want emails to be read aloud automatically by the Narrator.
   - technical instructions: 1. Open Outlook. 2. Go to File > Options. 3. Select 'Ease of Access'. 4. Uncheck 'Automatically read messages aloud'. 5. Click OK to save changes.
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-narrator-to-read-your-email-in-outlook-5b8c3b7b-5c5e-4c5b-8c7b-5e1e5b5c3c5b, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/accessibility/narrator?view=o365-worldwide

Restrict Narrator Access
You can restrict access to the Narrator feature for specific users or groups within your organization.
   - technical instructions: 1. Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. 2. Go to Users > Active users. 3. Select the user you want to restrict. 4. Under 'Licenses and Apps', uncheck the Narrator feature. 5. Save changes.
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/user-management/manage-user-licenses?view=o365-worldwide, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/admin-overview/admin-center-overview?view=o365-worldwide