NVDA 2026.1 Beta 10 is now available: https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2026-1beta10/

Changes introduced in Beta 10:

  • Prevented an intermittent crash in Notepad++.
  • Fixed restoring MathCAT settings when reverting or resetting NVDA’s configuration.
  • Fixed the SAPI 4 synth driver.
  • Updates to translations.

Read the full update and download the new beta from the release announcement.

  • lost_faith@lemmy.ca
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    edit-2
    2 days ago

    Is there a linux version of this? How does it stack up against ORCA?

    edit: Setting up a laptop for a blind friend and want him to have a great experience. He uses NVDA on windows but as I am giving him a laptop to replace his non-windows 11 compliant pc I was hoping to convert him, obviously if it fails he, or I if he’s still in my city, will put win 11.

    • NV AccessOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 day ago

      FIrstly thanks for helping your friend! I’m sure he appreciates you.

      Unfortunately there is no linux version. It would be technically possible, and indeed, Orca does use some of our code. However, screen readers work at a lot lower level than many other programs - simplifying dramatically, but as an example, porting a word process between operating systems for instance, mostly requires making sure the system interfacing parts (like saving or printing) work and much of the internals can stay as they are. Most of what NVDA does is interfacing with the operating system to find out what is going on, where the cursor is, what has focus, what has changed, etc so it can present useful information to the user. In order to create a linux version, we’d actually have to rewrite the vast majority of the code. At this stage, we feel our efforts are best spent continuing to improve the experience on Windows, BUT should that ever change, we will be sure to publicise it widely. For now, Orca is the main screen reader I’m aware of on Linux, though I admit I have not looked lately.

      • lost_faith@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        20 hours ago

        You guys keep up the good work. I understand porting to another OS is pretty painful most times and limited resources need to be spent wisely. He will be here for a week or 2 so plenty of time to get him on 11 if ORCA doesn’t fit his needs