Army to Receive Enhanced HoloLens Goggles from Microsoft for Testing This Month
Microsoft is once again conducting trials of its combat goggles, which are based on HoloLens technology, with the US military. The company has confirmed that it will be providing the Army with enhanced IVAS 1.2 devices by the end of July. According to Microsoft, these updated augmented reality models are now sleeker, lighter, and better balanced compared to their previous versions. This improvement is expected to enhance comfort and boost the performance of soldiers.
The Army tells Bloomberg that two teams will test 20 prototype IVAS goggles in late August. They measure low-light performance, reliability, and whether or not they make soldiers sick. Some testers last year complained of nausea, headaches and eye strain, while others were unhappy with the wide, narrow field of view and screen glow that could give off a soldier’s presence at night. Also, key features failed relatively often.
HoloLens technology aims to improve battlefield awareness. Infantry can see each other’s positions, gain vital health stats, and use night vision, which is less visible. They can better coordinate attacks and warn if there are signs of injury or fatigue. The technology may enter the field within a few years if the August test is successful. The army would contract between July and September 2024 for the second field study and could move to an operational combat test as soon as April 2025. The army could put IVAS into use months later.
However, a lot is riding on this test. Although the military could spend as much as $21.9 billion over 10 years on up to 121,000 IVAS units, Congress blocked additional orders for earlier goggles in January after reports of problems. Instead, politicians gave Microsoft $40 million to retool the hardware. If problems continue to arise, the Army may cancel the program. Not only would it cost Microsoft a lucrative deal, but it would cast more doubt on the HoloLens itself. The team lost lead developer Alex Kipman last year amid allegations of misconduct, and layoffs earlier this year dealt a serious blow to the mixed reality division.
