The United States Army has received the first batch of high-tech combat goggles manufactured by Microsoft Corp.
Douglas Bush, Assistant Secretary of Acquisition, has "cleared the Army to begin accepting" some of the 5,000 pairs of goggles.
Based on the results of the preliminary tests, the service "is adjusting its fielding plan to allow for time to correct deficiencies."
The Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS, from Microsoft is expected to provide a "heads-up display" for US ground forces.
The Army plans to spend up to $21.9 billion on Microsoft's combat goggles over a decade.
The Pentagon's director of operational testing is preparing a final test report, which is not expected until next month.
The Army is still optimistic about the program's success." Microsoft did not respond.