What you need to know
- Microsoft will deliver a new version of its militarized HoloLens headset to the U.S. Army before the end of July.
- The refreshed Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS, will be "slimmer, lighter and more balanced," according to Microsoft.
- Previous versions of IVAS made soldiers feel sick, caused eye strain and headaches, and were considered bulky.
Microsoft's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) is about to enter another round of testing with the U.S. Army. Version 1.2 of the militarized HoloLens headset will be "slimmer, lighter and more balanced," according to Microsoft. The company spoke with Engadget about the upcoming field tests and the Army spoke with Bloomberg about the headset.
IVAS has been in the works for years. The aim of the headset is to provide information to soldiers in real-time when in the field.
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Earlier this year, it was shared that IVAS version 1.2 was 2.85 lbs, which is much lighter than the 3.4 lbs its predecessor weighed. The latest version of the device also has its computer on the back of the headset to improve balance.
20 IVAS prototypes will be delivered to the Army before the end of this month and testing in August. The viability of the device will be tested in several ways, including on if it makes soldiers ill, if it's comfortable, and if it works reliably.
The previous version of IVAS ran into several issues, including causing nausea, eye strain, and key features failing. The headset also emitted a glow from its display that could be used to locate a soldier at night.
The outcome of these tests could sway the fate of HoloLens dramatically. The deal could be worth up to $21.9 billion, but one has to wonder how long the military would accept unsatisfactory field tests.
It's important to note that many innovations that make their way into the field go through iterative improvements and several tests. The question with HoloLens is if the U.S. military views the project as a worthy investment that will bear fruit.
If testing goes well, the Army could purchase up to 121,000 IVAS units. Following earlier tests, the U.S. Congress chose to give Microsoft $40 million to fix the headset rather than make any further orders. That has resulted in the upcoming tests.
