What They Say
The Task and Purpose blog showed a set of slides from a presentation by IVAS (the programme between Microsoft and the US military for Hololens) that sets out the kind of data that the system is intended to provide to soldiers in the field. The HUD seems to make the display look something like the kind of display in a first-person-shooter game (FPS) with the inclusion of a mini-map, a compass, objective markers, and the positions of friendlies, as well as enemies. The presenter also said that soldiers testing the IVAS last summer set records on land navigation courses as they did not have to stop to check maps etc.
The unit can use other optics, such as the the infrared scopes on rifles, which can be pointed around corners to capture the view through the optic.
The article notes, however, that soldiers experienced a range of physical ailments from headaches and nausea to neck strain while training with the IVAS. More testing is continuing with deployment planned in September.
What We Think
Although the headlines suggest these are photos, they look to me more like constructed graphics. If they are photos, then they are more impressive.
Both sides in this deal have a lot to lose if they can’t make the device ‘good enough’ and deliver military advantage. On the other hand, this would not be the first big defence technology project to fail to achieve its full objectives. (BR)
