Entering the Mixed-Reality Race
Smartphone maker Vivo has officially joined the extended reality (XR) arena with the launch of its Vision Discovery Edition headset. The announcement took place during the company’s 30th anniversary event in Dongguan, a major manufacturing hub near Shenzhen.
The debut positions Vivo against big players like Apple, Meta, and Samsung, all of whom are betting on immersive headsets as the next big tech shift.
Design Focus: Slimmer and Lighter
One of Vivo’s strongest selling points is its compact form factor. Weighing 398 grams, the Vision Discovery Edition is significantly lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro, which many critics labeled as too heavy.
The device is built using a metallic frame combined with glass, fabric, and plastic, achieving both sturdiness and aesthetics. At just 83 mm in height and 40 mm thick, it is 26% smaller than the average headset on the market.
To boost comfort, Vivo offers four sizes of light seals and eight padding variations, ensuring users can wear it for extended periods without strain.
A Fusion of AR and VR Experiences
The headset blends augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to deliver an immersive mixed-reality experience.
Highlighted features include:
- MicroOLED high-resolution displays for clear and sharp visuals.
- Eye-tracking system enabling gaze-based navigation.
- Gesture-based controls for intuitive interaction.
- Front-facing cameras to connect the digital and physical environment.
- A digital crown for adjusting display transparency.
- The ability to capture 3D videos and spatial photos (when paired with select Vivo smartphones).
A separate battery pack powers the device, giving roughly two hours of use per charge.
Four Years in the Making
According to Vivo, the headset is the result of four years of extensive R&D and user research. With nearly 1,800 components inside, executives compared the process of creating it to building an entire personal computer.
This long development cycle underlines Vivo’s commitment to breaking into a competitive but uncertain technology segment.
Not Rushing Into Sales
Instead of going straight to retail, Vivo is opting for a trial-first approach. The Vision Discovery Edition won’t hit shelves this year. Instead, the company is setting up demo zones across select Chinese cities.
This strategy will allow developers and early adopters to test the device and provide feedback, ensuring the final product launch is polished and market-ready.
Industry Perspectives and Challenges
The global mixed-reality market has potential but also faces hurdles. High prices and a lack of mass-market apps have limited adoption so far.
- Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro, despite its innovation, has been met with slower-than-expected consumer response.
- Experts like Ben Wood (CCS Insight) argue that “spatial computing” is progressing more slowly than many anticipated.
- Others, including Runar Bjørhovde (Canalys), believe that Vivo’s move reflects the company’s growing maturity in research and innovation.
Future of Head-Mounted Devices
For devices like the Vision Discovery Edition to succeed, improvements will be needed in battery life, software ecosystems, and pricing strategies. Wider adoption will depend on whether headsets can become as essential as smartphones in everyday life.
Still, Vivo’s lightweight design, advanced tracking systems, and phased rollout give it a competitive edge as the XR market evolves.
Closing Note
With the Vision Discovery Edition, Vivo has sent a clear message: it’s ready to compete in the next wave of digital technology. While commercial success may take time, the company’s strategic entry into mixed reality marks an important milestone for both Vivo and the broader.
