In its continued collaboration with the US military, Microsoft is set to deliver enhanced versions of its HoloLens-based combat goggles, known as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) 1.2, to the Army by the end of July. These updated augmented reality models boast a sleeker, lighter, and better-balanced design, significantly improving comfort and performance for soldiers on the field.
Confirmation from Microsoft indicates that two squads of the Army will put 20 prototype IVAS goggles to the test in late August. The assessment will focus on crucial aspects such as low-light functionality, reliability, and their impact on soldiers’ well-being. In a previous round of testing, some users experienced discomfort in the form of nausea, headaches, and eye strain. Other concerns included the bulkiness of the goggles, a limited field of view, and a noticeable display glow that could potentially compromise soldiers’ concealment during nighttime operations. Additionally, certain key features exhibited relative unreliability.