Microsoft tests support for hearing aids in Windows 11
Microsoft tests support for hearing aids in Windows 11 The Verge
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Some users can now pair compatible hearing aids with their Windows PCs and take calls.
By Sheena Vasani
Windows 11 will soon let some users with hearing aids take calls, listen to music, and stream audio from their PCs, Microsoft announced on Wednesday.
The recently rolled out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25977 now supports hearing aids equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio technology, Microsoft revealed. Consequently, people can directly pair hearing aids with Windows 11 PCs.
The feature is currently only available on select Windows devices with Bluetooth LE Audio support, though Microsoft says more PCs will offer it in the future. The tech giant also says it will add more capabilities for hearing aids over time, such as the ability to control audio presets within Windows.
Microsoft announced it was adding support for Bluetooth LE in Windows 11 during its Build conference in May. The audio specification uses the LC3 audio codec, which makes it possible to deliver high-quality audio while conserving battery power. It also allows for features like the ability to transmit audio to multiple devices simultaneously.
In addition to new accessibility features, Build 25977 also introduced some privacy updates. The company announced that users will now receive notifications when an app attempts to access their location or Wi-Fi information.
Hearing tech has increasingly attracted the attention of major companies in recent years. Sony launched self-fitting hearing aids with WS Audiology, and there are reports Apple could be exploring positioning the AirPods as hearing aids. It’s likely even more big players will enter the market after retailers started selling hearing aids over the counter last year.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
- Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
The article discusses the introduction of a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users with compatible hearing aids to pair them with their PCs. This feature contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by promoting accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments. It specifically addresses Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being. The article mentions that the feature supports hearing aids equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio technology, which can help individuals with hearing impairments communicate effectively and engage in various activities using their Windows PCs.
Additionally, the article mentions that Microsoft announced support for Bluetooth LE in Windows 11 during its Build conference. This aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which focuses on enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities. It specifically relates to Target 9.5, which aims to encourage innovation and increase research and development spending. The article implies that the introduction of Bluetooth LE support in Windows 11 is a technological advancement that enables the compatibility of hearing aids with PCs, contributing to the overall goal of SDG 9.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending. | Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP. |
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Source: theverge.com
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