US soldiers will soon wear Microsoft's HoloLens AR goggles in action

Microsoft has won a $ 480 million contract for the supply of more than 100,000 HoloLens helmets in augmented reality to the US military, reports Bloomberg.

Uses? The Army plans to use helmets for combat missions and training. The technology will be adapted to incorporate night vision, thermal sensing, provide hearing protection, monitor concussions and measure vital signs such as breathing and "physical availability". The MagicLeap artificial search firm has also bid for the contract, according to Bloomberg.

A first: HoloLens is already used by the US and Israeli military forces for training, but this is the first time it has been used for real combat. This is another example of how organizations are adopting much more enthusiasm than consumers.

Tensions: The deal is good news for Microsoft, which overtook Apple yesterday as the most valuable company in the world. However, this contract could have negative repercussions – and it is also likely to come from Microsoft employees rather than external groups. The relationship between the technology sector and the US military has tended over the past year as Amazon, Google and Microsoft employees have protested their company's offers for power contracts. public. The solution? Last month, Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, announced that Microsoft staff would move with concern to other projects.