The military's technological development is essential to maintaining the country's security. In the military, technology serves as the foundation for the majority of the activities because it is necessary for movement, communication, and combat.
In fact, the U.S. Army intends to use augmented reality (AR) headsets for its military operations. Technology has indeed advanced significantly.
HoloLens-Based Integrated Visual Augmentation System
Microsoft was awarded a contract to develop the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, often known as the HoloLens AR headset, by the U.S. Army in March of last year (IVAS). The deal for more than 120,000 headsets might be worth up to $21.88 billion.
With the $3,500 standard HoloLens, users may interact with holograms that are projected over their real-world surroundings by utilizing hand and speech gestures.
A spokesperson for the Army told CNBC that the contract has a five-year base period and a five-year option beyond that.
What Plans Does the Military Have for the AR Headset?
The military is serious with its plan to use AR headsets in their operations. If not, they wouldn't invest $22 million on it.
Basically, the purpose of IVAS is as a training aid and a combat aide. According to a statement from the Army, the headset allows soldiers to fight, practice, and train all in one system.
The infantry will have night vision and be able to see squad positions and other important information in the field. The headsets can provide data during training to aid instructors in enhancing effective techniques, according to Engadget.
There Has Been a Delay of Delivery
It was reported last October that the U.S. Army has pushed back the deployment of the IVAS until September this year.
The military claimed that in order to "further mature" the mixed reality technology, it has decided to push operational testing from July 2021 to May 2022, according to Engadget
It is unknown if the delay was linked to the audit of the Inspector General of the Defense Department last October to check whether the technology will meet the requirements.
Microsoft Begun Shipping the AR Headsets
Microsoft has reportedly started shipping the first batch of IVAS headset, according to Bloomberg (via PC Gamer).
Per Bloomberg story, a spokesperson named Jamal Beck said that Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Douglas Bush has "cleared the Army to begin accepting" some of the 5,000 pairs of goggles.
Microsoft Workers Disapproved the Military Usage of the AR Headset
Microsoft employees were against this deal. It is worth noting that the workers didn't have input on the decision.
However, as previously mentioned above, Microsoft isn't likely to budge since the shipping of the device is finally starting.
Losing the contract would undoubtedly affect both Microsoft's profitability and the momentum for HoloLens generally.
