Microsoft combat HoloLens goggles to the U.S. military win first approval for delivery

Following "encouraging findings" from field testing, Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Microsoft would provide the military the first batch of its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (or IVAS) goggles. The goggles are based on upgrades to Microsoft's current HoloLens augmented reality system and offer soldiers in the field a heads-up display and night vision capabilities.

Some of the 5,000 pairs of goggles have been "approved for the Army to begin accepting," according to spokesperson Jamal Beck. Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Douglas Bush. Due to concerns regarding the device's performance, their delivery had been delayed until more thorough testing had been done.

The service "is altering its fielding strategy to allow for time to address flaws and also field to units that are focused on training activities," according to Beck, based on the preliminary test findings. The Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS, from Microsoft is anticipated to provide US ground soldiers a "heads-up display" like to those used by jet pilots. The system, which is a customised version of Microsoft's HoloLens goggles, would enable night vision and allow commanders to show information onto a visor in front of a soldier's face.

Nearly four years ago, Microsoft and the military first entered into a partnership to create combat-HoloLens eyewear. The $480 million contract eventually caused internal conflict inside the organisation as some staff members believed their efforts were being used to foment violence abroad rather than to aid others. The HoloLens division at Microsoft has also experienced some instability, as Alex Kipman, the inventor of the augmented reality glasses, left the organisation in June following the publicization of sexual harassment claims.

Congress's decision on whether to authorise the $424.2 million the Army requested to fund the programme for the fiscal year beginning in October will be influenced by the test report. In anticipation of the test results, the House and Senate appropriations panels suggested making significant cuts to the Army's request.