Jujube,

The only thing I'd add is that objects include things that are not
conventional controls, and the example of the status bar (that isn't a
conventional status bar in presentation) at the bottom of File Explorer is a
good example.

The term "object" is intentionally vague or meta because so many different
things are implemented as objects of some sort.  It's a catch-all term for
anything you can gain focus on that may or may not be a control you can
interact with, but can be examined by the screen reader.  Many objects are
intentionally ignored when not in object navigation mode because they're
"just distractions" in a number of circumstances.  But under the newer
Windows UI the use of objects has increased compared to the old days.  I'm
still trying to get really up to speed on object navigation myself.  As an
aside, I believe that the JAWS analogous construct is the touch cursor, but
I could be wrong on that.

These two references may prove to be helpful:

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Unravel the enigma of NVDA Object Nav. - COOL BLIND TECH (
https://coolblindtech.com/unravel-the-enigma-of-nvda-object-nav/ ) (podcast,
downloadable but also playable on that website)

and

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NVDA review cursor and object navigation. - HANIF.CO (
https://hanif.co/dl/NVDA%20review%20cursor%20and%20object%20navigation.m4a )
(audio presentation previously recorded on June 4, 2020)
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--

Brian - Windows 10, 64-Bit, Version 21H1, Build 19043

I do not understand why some seek to separate a person from their actions.
The self is composed of an individual’s thoughts, actions, and expression,
which are contained in and actuated by the body.  What you do and say is the
clearest indicator of who you are.

~ Brian Vogel