US Army is set to test the new Microsoft HoloLens 1.2 goggles next month

Microsoft’s first attempt at creating the HoloLens-based IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) goggles for the Army was disappointing, as many soldiers experienced nausea and other issues. Now, in a recent development, Microsoft is expected to deliver the new HoloLens IVAS 1.2 devices to the Army by the end of this month.

While the specific changes remain unclear, the headset will reportedly offer a slimmer, lighter, and more balanced design while also addressing the previous concerns with nausea. Scheduled for late August, the testing will involve two squads using 20 prototype IVAS goggles and evaluating their functionality under low-light conditions, overall reliability, and potential side effects such as nausea, headaches, and eye strain.

Why is IVAS important?

According to Master Sgt. Marc Krugh, the Microsoft HoloLens IVAS goggles are a significant development for the Army, as they enable soldiers to rehearse and train in more realistic scenarios using augmented reality, better preparing them for actual combat situations. Moreover, in battle scenarios, the goggles’ advanced night vision capabilities offer a discreet way for troops to coordinate attacks and remain vigilant for signs of injury.

Although HoloLens could become a significant asset for the military, previous versions of the goggles encountered issues that led Congress to halt further orders in January. As a result, Microsoft received $40 million to rework the hardware and address the identified problems.

Therefore, if the tests are successful, the Army might consider awarding a contract for a second field study between July and September 2024, potentially leading to an operational combat test as early as April 2025. Once the testing phase is complete, the Army plans to deploy more than 121,000 IVAS units over the next ten years.

However, failing to meet the Army’s expectations once again could result in the cancellation of the program, which would be a significant loss for Microsoft and raise doubts about the reliability of HoloLens technology.