Vivo Enters Mixed-Reality Market with Vision Discovery Edition

Vivo, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has announced its first mixed-reality headset, the Vision Discovery Edition. The device, which utilizes both augmented reality and virtual reality, is designed to merge the digital and physical worlds. Vivo aims to compete with industry leaders such as Apple and Meta, with its new headset featuring a sleek design, advanced eye tracking system, and high-resolution microOLED displays.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vivo's Vision Discovery Edition is the company's first mixed-reality headset, featuring both augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities.
  • The headset has a metal frame and weighs 398 grams, making it 26% smaller than the industry average.
  • The device features an advanced eye tracking system, allowing users to control the interface by looking at and tapping with their fingers.
  • The headset uses tiny microOLED displays with high pixel density and resolution, allowing users to record 3D videos and capture spatial photos.
  • Vivo has spent four years on user research and R&D to develop the headset, which contains 1,800 components.
  • The company is taking a feedback-driven approach, setting up demo zones in select Chinese cities before launching the headset.
  • Vivo's concept of "extended reality" shares similarities with Apple and others in the market, but the market for such devices has yet to take off.
  • Analysts believe that Vivo's move into the mixed-reality market could provide a new revenue stream and boost the brand's reputation.
  • Challenges ahead for the industry include developing compelling immersive applications, reducing costs, and improving battery life.
  • Competitors such as Meta, Apple, and Samsung are also investing heavily in VR and mixed-reality technology, with future product releases expected.

Statistics:

  • The Vision Discovery Edition weighs 398 grams, making it 26% smaller than the industry average.
  • The headset uses 1,800 components in its development.
  • The device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform.
  • Vivo has spent four years on user research and R&D to develop the headset.
  • The headset can capture spatial photos and record 3D videos.

Sources:

  • Anuj Bhatia, Vision Discovery Edition, Vivo's first mixed-reality headset puts the brand in the league of Apple and Meta.
  • Ben Wood, Chief Analyst at CCS Insight.
  • Runar Bjørhovde, Analyst, Canalys.