Microsoft will distribute improved HoloLens combat goggles to Army testers this month

Microsoft is taking another turn at testing its HoloLens-based combat goggles with the US military. The company has confirmed to Engadget that it is delivering the improved IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) 1.2 devices to the military before the end of July. Microsoft says these updated augmented reality models are “thinner, lighter and more balanced” than before. In turn, they should make them more comfortable and improve soldiers’ performance.

army tells Bloomberg The two squads will be testing 20 prototype IVAS glasses in late August. They’ll assess low-light performance, reliability and whether or not they make soldiers feel sick. Some testers complained of nausea, headaches and eye strain last year, while others weren’t pleased with the large, narrow field of view and a display brightness that could detect the presence of a soldier at night. Key features also failed relatively frequently.

HoloLens technology aims to improve battlefield awareness. Infantry can see each other’s positions, obtain vital health statistics, and use night vision to be less noticeable. They can better coordinate attacks and warn when there are signs of injury or fatigue. If the August test is successful, the technology could reach the field within a few years. The Army will award a contract between July and September 2024 for the second field study, and could move to an operational battle trial by April 2025. The Army may deploy the IVAS months later.

However, a lot depends on this test. While the military could spend up to $21.9 billion over ten years for 121,000 IVAS units, Congress halted further orders for the earlier glasses in January after reports of problems. Instead, politicians gave Microsoft $40 million to rework the hardware. If there is still a problem, the army can cancel the programme. Not only would this cost Microsoft a lucrative contract, but it would also cast more doubt on the HoloLens. The team lost lead developer Alex Kipman last year after allegations of misconduct, and the layoffs earlier this year dealt a serious blow to the mixed reality division.