Microsoft is apparently working on a new and upgraded HoloLens headset. However, this model is not for consumers but could be used by US military personnel. The company’s upgraded HoloLens are being tested as Combat Goggles by the US Army.

Microsoft AR Combat Goggles: How does it work?

The American tech giant recently confirmed that it is delivering the IVAS 1.2 devices (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) to the US Army. These AR (Augmented Reality) headsets are thinner and lighter than previous iterations and seek to enhance the soldier’s performance on the field. These HoloLens-based combat goggles will improve battlefield awareness. Infantry units can now see the position of their squad mates get vital health stats and use night vision. It can also aid in planning and coordinating strikes and notify soldiers when their ally is injured.

The Army is currently testing around 20 prototype IVAS goggles with two squads. These tests will check its performance in low light conditions, test its reliability, and see if it’s viable for the soldiers. Previous iterations caused eye strain and discomfort and made the soldiers feel sick. Some of their key functionalities had also failed often.

The tests will kick off in late August, while Microsoft will deliver the improved IVAS systems by the end of this month. Depending on these tests, the US Army might sign an official contract by next, while operational combat tests might kick off in 2025. The US military might spend 21.9 billion US Dollars in ten years for over 121,000 IVAS units.

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The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a mixed-reality headset that was announced back in February 2019, three years after the first-gen model. When it was announced last year, it was sold to companies with an option to even customize it before purchase. Now, it has made it available for purchase on the Microsoft Store for anyone who has the funds to do so.

With a price tag of $3500, the Mixed Reality headset is definitely not cheap and if you are forking out that amount, you are probably a professional that needs it for work.

#HoloLens 2 is now available to purchase directly from the Microsoft Store online: https://t.co/lrV2puZdrG pic.twitter.com/el7mkcFRvO

— Microsoft HoloLens (@HoloLens) July 17, 2020

Microsoft has designed the headset for professionals in the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries.

The HoloLens 2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 850 processor along with a second-gen custom-built holographic processing unit. It packs 4GB of RAM and 64GB of UFS 2.1 storage. It also has Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 5, and a USB Type-C port.

The headset has 6DoF tracking, spatial mapping, and mixed reality capture. There is also real-time eye-tracking (two IR cameras), voice command, Windows Hello. Microsoft has designed it to fit over prescription glasses, so you don’t have to take them off to use the headset. Its battery will last 2-3 hours on a single charge and it supports USB-PD for fast charging.

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The HoloLens is Microsoft‘s own Mixed Reality (MR) headset and yesterday, it got a successor. The HoloLens 2 brings a number of new features including design changes but it still maintains its target market – industry professionals, and not the average consumers.

The HoloLens 2 comes nearly three years after its predecessor. It has a wider field of view – more than double according to Microsoft, but you still get 47 pixels per degree of sight. It has a ToF depth sensor that tracks your hands’ motions. It does this with the help of algorithms. Microsoft says the change from the HoloLens to the HoloLens 2 is like switching from a 720p TV to a 2K TV for each eye.

The HoloLens 2 has tiny cameras that scan your retinas for Windows Hello authentication. They also adjust the image based on the interpupillary distance between your eyes. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 850 Compute Platform for better battery life.

The headset is also more comfortable now. The main components have been moved to the back for better balance and there is a dial for adjusting the tightness. It also works better with glasses and the visor can be lifted up, so you don’t have to take it off just to quickly talk to someone or take a short break.

Microsoft is selling the HoloLens for $3500 and its target market is professionals that don’t sit at a desk to use a PC such as construction engineers and doctors. Companies will be able to customize the HoloLens 2 before purchase. Microsoft showed off a version for Trimble, a company that is involved in several areas including construction. This version of the HoloLens 2 was built into a safety helmet for use outdoors.

READ MORE: Microsoft’s foldable Andromeda may launch in 2019

The MR headset will go on sale later this year and will be available in North America, Japan, China, Germany, France, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

(Source)

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