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The next generation of helmet mounted gear which looks like Google Glass for the military is currently being tested by BAE Systems. The futuristic device called the Q-Warrior is expected to be a game changer when introduced into the market.

For ages one question has always concerned military commanders on the ground - what is over that hill? Satellite relay information may only be helpful if it is real time information and even that information may not reach every soldier as the device receiving the information may be handled by one person who relays the information to the others.

The Q-Warrior could change all that. The helmet mounted device provides real time visual data to all the soldiers wearing the device. Real time data such as identifying hostile and non hostile forces on the ground are provided.

Just as Google Glass provides route maps and restaurant information to the user, the Q-Warrior provides waypoints, points of interest and targets information. The display is overlaid on the real world view of the soldier and is said to work seamlessly, without disturbing the view of the soldier.

The Q-Warrior was designed and built by engineers at the Electronic Systems business in Rochester, Kent. The device is expected to increase the situational awareness of the soldier by providing a live video feed, text messages and warnings.

There are some concerns before the Q-Warrior becomes more practical in a battlefield. One of the concerns is the ability of the enemy to hack the system and be able to see everything the soldiers see or the ability of the enemy to jam the transmission.

Another concern is that of data overload. In a battlefield there could be so much data generated that it could prove difficult to choose what data is more relevant to a particular group of soldiers.

Some people consider Google Glass to be a distraction while driving. Will the Q-Warrior face the same criticism in the battlefield? So far the tests are said to have exceeded expectations.

One advantage the Q-Warrior has is that it promises to be a low cost light weight device; this could make it a standard issue for every soldier in the future. Unlike the general public, a vast number of those who cannot afford to buy a Google Glass, the military budget should allow for large scale purchase of the device.

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