HoloLens goes to war

HoloLens. © Spiria.

Microsoft has won a $480 million contract to develop a HoloLens-type augmented reality prototype for use in combat and military training for the US Army. According to Bloomberg, the agreement could eventually lead to the purchase of over 100,000 units that would “increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy.” The US and Israeli military have already used HoloLens for training, but its use in combat would be a big step forward for Microsoft’s technology. The US Army has requested the integration of both thermal and night vision to the current HoloLens functions. “Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions,” said a Microsoft spokesperson in an email statement. Other companies like MagicLeap have also bid to hook this very large contract.

⇨ Ars Technica, “US Army awards Microsoft $480 million contract to augment reality in battle.”