Agreed. In fact, this approach is also likely better for military applications which I hope they explore.
Currently, NVGs that are fielded by soldiers are already displaying images in a way that's not pass-through (using classic image intensification tubes). Something like the Apple vision headset in a lighter and more durable form factor would allow for eg; fusion imagery (fusing visible, thermal, and night vision).
I’ve always wanted an NVG to play with, and from watching firearms nerd rants I’ve learned:
- real NVG costs way above my budget, and all comes with defects. Realistically the tubes in civilian markets are all defective returns.
- even real NVGs can’t work in complete darkness, such as in a closet; moonlight or starlight is needed.
- real NVGs on firearms are often used in conjunction with an IR laser and a flashlight for aiming; advantage is solely that you have to have a goggle to see it, not that you can operate without making any emissions.
- partly due to above points, plain old CMOS cameras with modified 1” Sony sensors for better low light performance is starting to match practical usefulness of a real NVG(it’s Cold War tech so no wonder here). Latency is an issue, but more of “is an issue” and no longer a blocker.
… Vision Pro type of devices replacing NVGs indeed seem like a near future possibility.
I have a few NVGs. They're definitely expensive (a good setup is $10k+) but it's definitely not true that they're all defect returns. L3 image intensifier tubes that enter the civilian market are just as good as the military gets for the same product. For cheap (<$10k) NVGs that's a totally different story though.
They do work in complete darkness! You just need an IR illumination source. If not using a weapon mounted illuminator you can just use an IR flashlight. Thermal doesn't require external illumination but isn't anywhere near as useful for navigation. That said, good IR laser + illuminator weapon mounted systems are a few thousand bucks too.
My point about vision pro type devices is they can take a feed from real NVG tubes and potentially regular cameras and thermal and combine them. It'll be game changing when the tech is ready. It's not a matter of if but when.
It's not in Apple's interests to get into military contracting because of the potential to damage their brand, as well as avoiding the geopolitical tensions that would invite.
Currently, NVGs that are fielded by soldiers are already displaying images in a way that's not pass-through (using classic image intensification tubes). Something like the Apple vision headset in a lighter and more durable form factor would allow for eg; fusion imagery (fusing visible, thermal, and night vision).