New Version of Office for Windows: Word Adds Voice Search

For Insider program members of the Current channel, Microsoft has released a preview update for Office Build 14827.20088 for Windows. This update focuses on introducing a useful feature to the Word app on Windows - Voice Search.

Microsoft says search in Word is a powerful tool that returns actions, definitions, files, contacts, and more when you type just a few characters. Now, with voice search, you can say what you're looking for, and the search will find it just as you type. It's all about giving you more ways to interact with Microsoft Search, making it easier to find what you need.

To use this feature, just click the new microphone button in the right corner of the search box (or hit Alt+Q on your keyboard, focus inside the search box, then click the right arrow key and press Enter). Then say what you're looking for; a drop-down menu will appear, and you can select what you're looking for from a list.

In addition, one of the new features is an enhanced reading experience in Read Aloud, which sounds more natural in Word and Outlook. Undoubtedly, this will improve the listening experience.

To update to the latest OfficeInsider Preview Build, open any Office program and go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.