Microsoft combat goggles reportedly causing physical impairments like headaches. And for that reason, congress has now stopped the purchase of more of the device. Lawmakers however did give the green light for $40 million used in developing a new and improved model.
Microsoft Combat Goggles Reportedly Causing Physical Impairments
Congress has now rejected the request by the US army for funding to buy more combat goggles from Microsoft as per a recent report. The ask of $400 million by the army to purchase about 6,900 goggles which are all based on the HoloLens Headset of Microsoft was axed because field tests for the device showed that the headsets caused “mission-affecting physical impairments,” such as headaches and nausea, Bloomberg on Thursday reported.
Lawmakers Approved $40 Million in Funding To Develop a New Goggles Model
Lawmakers however did approve $40 million in funding in a bid to develop a new goggles model, David Patterson, an army spokesperson in an email told the news outlet.
The army back in November awarded a task order to Microsoft in developing a new variant of combat goggles known as version 1.2. The money in question for the order came from funding that was acquired back in 2021. The army then wrote that the new variant will address physiological issues which have been identified during testing. And with that being said, field testing for version 1.2 of the goggles will reportedly start in September.
Microsoft Is Focused On Improving the Technology
Microsoft stated that it is focused on improving the technology. The company “is committed to working with the Army to further develop [Integrated Visual Augmentation System] technology,” a spokesperson from Microsoft in an email to CNET said. “The regular cadence of building and testing IVAS … will help us refine and improve the technology to ensure it brings unparalleled protection and capabilities to America’s Soldiers.”
