Windows 11 just got a new feature that will make your voice clearer and more natural when using apps that require a microphone. Here’s how it works.
Windows 11 has just received a new function, called Voice Clarity, which is a technology based on artificial intelligence that reduces background noise and improves the definition of your voice. Previously, this feature was only available on Microsoft Surface devices, but it will soon be available on more computers running Windows 11.
The Voice Clarity feature was introduced in 2022 and was initially only compatible with the high-end Surface Laptop Studio. The feature was later expanded to other Surface devices, such as the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3.
What is Voice Clarity on Windows 11?
Voice Clarity is different from other microphone noise reduction technologies because it uses Communication Signal Processing mode, a new mode that ensures compatibility with popular apps and games that use voice communication. Microsoft states that apps such as Phone Link and WhatsApp support this modeand that other apps will support it in the future.
Voice Clarity works usinga low-complexity AI model that runs locally on the devicewhich means it does not affect the computer’s battery life or system storage. The feature also allows users to turn off the deep noise suppression effect, which is the main function of Voice Clarity.
Voice Clarity will not, however, be activated on all PCs running Windows 11. Microsoft specifies that the function will only work if the computer does not have its own noise reduction technology. However, few manufacturers use such a feature in their computers. Voice Clarity is compatible with x64 and Arm64 processors, which means it can work on both Intel and ARM based devices.
The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26040, which is a testing build for users to try out new features before they are released to the public. The feature will be included in the stable version of Windows 11 later this year, but it is not yet clear in which version. This could be the famous Windows 11 24H2 update, scheduled for next September.