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A New Player in the XR Arena
Chinese smartphone giant Vivo has entered the world of extended reality (XR) with the launch of its first mixed-reality headset, the Vision Discovery Edition. Unveiled on 22 August 2025 during Vivo’s 30th anniversary celebrations in Dongguan, China, the device directly positions the brand against Apple, Meta, and Samsung in the immersive technology market.
Design that Prioritises Comfort
Unlike some bulkier headsets, Vivo’s Vision Discovery Edition is designed to be sleek and lightweight. Weighing 398 grams, with a height of 83 mm and thickness of 40 mm, it is about 26% smaller than the industry average.
The headset combines metal, plastic, glass, and fabric, giving it both durability and a premium look. Vivo also provides multiple light seals (4 sizes) and foam paddings (8 options) to ensure comfortable usage during long sessions. A digital crown on the side lets users adjust display transparency, while cameras placed on the front lens enhance AR and VR experiences.
Key Features and Technology
Vivo’s first mixed-reality headset merges Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to blur the boundaries between digital and real worlds.
Notable features include:
- MicroOLED displays with high resolution and pixel density.
- Advanced eye-tracking system for intuitive control through gaze and finger taps.
- Hand and finger gesture recognition, similar to Apple Vision Pro and Samsung’s upcoming Project Moohan.
- 3D video recording and spatial photo capture, though currently limited to select Vivo smartphones.
- A phone-sized external battery pack providing up to two hours of runtime.
The Concept of Extended Reality
Vivo promotes the Vision Discovery Edition as part of its vision for the next generation of computing. The company believes devices like this will eventually serve as face-worn computers, becoming central to people’s digital lives.
While the idea aligns with Apple and Meta’s vision of spatial computing, the challenge remains in turning this futuristic concept into a practical and widely adopted reality.
Market and Analyst Reactions
The global XR market is still developing, with high costs and limited consumer adoption acting as hurdles. Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro, despite being advanced, has not seen explosive sales, while Meta continues to invest heavily in its Quest series.
Industry experts are divided on Vivo’s prospects:
- Ben Wood, CCS Insight: said spatial computing is a major bet for tech companies, but the market is not expanding as quickly as expected. He doubts the device will make a huge impact for Vivo in the short term.
- Runar Bjørhovde, Canalys: noted that the launch signals Vivo’s R&D maturity, with the company choosing to act now rather than wait, even if immediate sales are modest.
Strategic Rollout Plan
Instead of rushing into a full commercial launch, Vivo is taking a phased approach. The company plans to set up demo zones in select Chinese cities to gather consumer and developer feedback before making the device widely available.
This strategy could help Vivo refine its ecosystem and build a stronger developer base, crucial for success in the XR industry.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Early feedback has praised Vivo’s lightweight design and custom-fit options, but challenges remain:
- High pricing compared to smartphones
- Limited battery life (two hours per charge)
- Lack of compelling AR/VR applications
- Unclear integration with existing PCs and mobile devices
As technology advances and production costs decline, mixed-reality devices like Vivo’s Vision Discovery Edition could play a vital role in shaping the next phase of computing.
Conclusion
With the Vision Discovery Edition, Vivo has officially entered the mixed-reality race, standing alongside industry leaders Apple, Meta, and Samsung. While widespread adoption may take time, Vivo’s approach indicates its ambition to expand beyond smartphones and carve out a position .
