Microsoft announces US $ 22 billion contract with US military to produce augmented reality headphones.
Augmented reality, or RA, is a technology that glasses use for project computer-created images and information that add to what users see in the real physical world.
The agreement was announced on Wednesday. Microsoft would provide at least 120,000 soldiers with the devices.
Military officials said the technology would improve soldiers’ ability to see their surroundings and identify targets and danger. The technology is based on Microsoft’s HoloLens headphones, which were designed for video games.
The military said the helmets could be used for both training and combat. The military said the AR system could help troops gain an advantage during combat. The soldiers tested first gadgets last year.
The contract is worth up to $ 21.88 billion over a period of up to 10 years, Microsoft said. The agreement lasts for five years and can be extended for another five.
Microsoft President Brad Smith spoke about the technology to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee in February. He said soldiers could use the system to see at night and for facial recognition on the battlefield. He also described how he could help in hostage situations by creating an electronic representation of a building, which he called “digital GEMINI. ”
Several technology companies have sought to use augmented reality for video games. These efforts have been largely unsuccessful. But Hololens 2 from Microsoft will be used by the military. The company also wants the devices to be used to help doctors during medical operations, factory crews and more. Users can often control what they see on the device using hand movements or voice commands.
The headset is part of Microsoft’s defense contractor. The military also awarded Microsoft a $ 10 billion cloud computing deal in September.
I’m Mario Ritter, Jr.
Matt O’Brien reported this story to The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor.
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Words in this story
headphones– n. (augmented reality) a wearable device that uses computer technology to produce images and information that adds to what the wearer can see in the real world
project–v. to cause (light, an image, a film, etc.) to appear on a surface
gadget object–n. a small, useful device
digital–adj. using or characterized by computer technology
GEMINI–n. either one of two similar things that form a pair
contractor–n. a person who is employed to perform work or to supply goods at a certain price or at a certain time
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