A Milestone Announcement
At its 30th anniversary celebration in Dongguan, China, Vivo surprised the tech world by unveiling its first-ever mixed-reality headset, named the Vision Discovery Edition. With this move, the company officially enters the extended reality (XR) race, joining heavyweights like Apple, Meta, and Samsung.
The launch comes as smartphone brands worldwide explore new markets beyond handheld devices, searching for their next big revenue stream.
A Compact and Lightweight Headset
Unlike Apple’s Vision Pro, which has been criticized for its bulk, Vivo has focused heavily on comfort and portability. The Vision Discovery Edition weighs only 398 grams, making it lighter than many rivals. At 83 mm tall and 40 mm thick, the device is also 26% smaller than the average headset in this segment.
The design includes a metal frame with glass, fabric, and plastic materials, balancing durability with style. To enhance wearability, Vivo provides multiple light seals and foam padding options, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for long sessions.
Blending AR and VR in One Device
The headset combines Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) features to deliver a seamless mixed-reality experience.
Some of its standout technologies include:
- High-resolution microOLED displays for crisp, detailed visuals.
- Eye-tracking sensors that let users control interfaces through their gaze.
- Hand and finger gesture recognition for natural interaction.
- Front-facing cameras for spatial awareness.
- A digital crown to fine-tune display transparency.
- Compatibility with select Vivo smartphones for 3D video recording and spatial photography.
To power these functions, the Vision Discovery Edition uses a separate battery pack roughly the size of a phone, offering about two hours of runtime.
Years of Research and Development
Vivo revealed that it spent four years on user research and R&D before finalizing the headset. The device is made up of nearly 1,800 components, a level of complexity Vivo compared to building a full personal computer.
This deep investment highlights how seriously the company is taking its entry into the immersive tech sector.
Vivo’s Strategy: Testing Before Launch
Rather than rushing into a global release, Vivo is choosing a cautious approach. The Vision Discovery Edition will first be available in demo zones across select Chinese cities. This allows the company to collect valuable feedback from both developers and consumers before moving toward a wider commercial rollout.
By emphasizing ecosystem development and fine-tuning the product, Vivo aims to avoid common pitfalls faced by early adopters in the XR industry.
Market Uncertainties Remain
Despite the excitement, the mixed-reality market still faces challenges. Apple’s Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, has not yet sparked mainstream adoption, highlighting the high costs and niche appeal of such devices.
Analysts remain divided:
- Ben Wood (CCS Insight) noted that spatial computing, while promising, is progressing slower than many expected.
- Runar Bjørhovde (Canalys) argued that Vivo’s step reflects maturity in its R&D efforts, even if near-term sales may be limited.
The Road Ahead for Extended Reality
For headsets like the Vision Discovery Edition to succeed, major hurdles must be overcome from longer battery life and cost reductions to stronger software ecosystems. The real test lies in creating compelling applications beyond simple games or demos that can integrate seamlessly with existing smartphones and PCs.
Final Thoughts
The Vivo Vision Discovery Edition signals the company’s ambition to go beyond smartphones and position itself in the next era of immersive computing. While adoption may take time, Vivo’s lightweight design, phased rollout strategy, and focus on comfort give it a strong foundation in the emerging XR landscape.
