HarmonyOS NEXT bringing new screen reader tool to public beta users

HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.0.102 public beta update is bringing a new screen reader tool. While the respective version has already rolled out with the tap-to-share feature last week, the company has recently added some more enhancements to it.

The tech giant released the previous HarmonyOS NEXT public beta with the 5.0.0.102 (SP6) version. But the new firmware is coming with a 5.0.0.102 (SP8) build.

Unlike the previous changelog, the latest HarmonyOS NEXT public beta update is bringing a useful screen reader feature. It also optimizes certain system functions and the multi-screen collaboration capability for a seamless experience.

Screen Reader: As the name suggests, this useful feature translates text on a screen into speech or braille. It lets users operate the device even without seeing the display.

The screen reading tool runs on software programs. It detects the words displayed on the screen and either reads them aloud or converts them to braille as per consumers’ preference. All you have to do is enable the feature through Settings.

A screen reader is perfect for those who deal with visual problems. It offers voice feedback to avoid a constant glance at the phone’s screen to use it.

While the company already has such a feature, HarmonyOS NEXT improves it further. Users will experience quick responses with the enhanced tool.

Further benefits in the changelog include a fix for customizing incoming call ringtones, multi-screen collaboration stability while using it with the Huawei PC, and optimization for the device’s performance. You can check the changelog below.

HarmonyOS NEXT bringing new screen reader tool to public beta users (Image Credits: Huawei)

HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.0.102 (SP8): Changelog

New Feature

• Added a screen reader feature that can provide voice feedback when turned on, so that you don’t have to look at the screen when using the device.

System

• Optimizes the display effect of the negative one screen and other interfaces.
• Optimizes signal stability and improves Internet speed in some scenarios. Optimize Bluetooth connection stability.
• Optimize the stability of the entire system.

Multi-screen collaboration

• Optimize the multi-screen collaboration connection stability with Huawei PC.

Important system patches

• Fixed the issue where customizing incoming call ringtones sometimes failed.

Huawei is rolling out the screen reader tool to HarmonyOS NEXT public beta users. For instance, Pura 70 series, Mate 60 series, Pocket 2, Mate X5, MatePad Pro 13.2, and MatePad Pro 11 2024. Others have to wait for subsequent versions to experience the new features.