Microsoft Announces Restructuring of Mixed Reality Organization and Commitment to Defense Department’s IVAS Program

Earlier today, Microsoft announced a restructuring of its Mixed Reality organization, which includes letting go of over 1,000 employees. Despite this, the company remains fully committed to the Department of Defense’s IVAS program and will continue to deliver cutting-edge technology to support soldiers.

The HoloLens, Microsoft’s augmented reality headset, has not seen great success since its introduction in 2015. However, the company received a contract from the U.S. Defense Department for a modified version called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System. While initial reports from soldiers using the devices mentioned issues like nausea, tests on an updated model showed promising results.

In addition to its focus on the IVAS program, Microsoft will continue to invest in W365 to reach a broader Mixed Reality hardware ecosystem. The company will also continue to sell the HoloLens 2 headset, released in 2019, while supporting existing customers and partners.

Despite canceling a rumored third version of the HoloLens, Microsoft is still pushing forward with its Mixed Reality initiatives. The company supports features like Mesh, which allows users to participate in three-dimensional Teams video calls using headsets. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of reimagining the way employees connect using devices like the HoloLens.

While Microsoft faces competition from Apple’s Vision Pro augmented reality headset, the company remains dedicated to advancing its Mixed Reality technology and providing innovative solutions for both military and commercial applications. Stay tuned for more updates on Microsoft’s Mixed Reality developments.