Breaking into a New Market
Chinese tech giant Vivo has entered the mixed-reality (MR) segment with its first headset, the Vision Discovery Edition. The device was unveiled on 22 August 2025 during Vivo’s 30th anniversary event in Dongguan, a city near Shenzhen often called China’s Silicon Valley.
This launch signals Vivo’s first foray into extended reality (XR), putting the company in direct competition with established players such as Apple, Meta, and Samsung.
Compact Form Factor
One of the major highlights of the Vision Discovery Edition is its lightweight and compact design. At 398 grams, the headset is considerably lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro. It measures 83 mm in height and 40 mm in thickness, which Vivo claims makes it 26% smaller than the industry average.
Constructed from metal, glass, plastic, and fabric, the device aims to strike a balance between durability and comfort. To further support long-term wear, Vivo includes four light seal options and eight foam padding sizes.
Technology at the Core
The Vision Discovery Edition combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to deliver a blended experience of digital and physical environments.
Standout features:
- High-resolution microOLED displays with dense pixel output.
- Eye-tracking controls, allowing users to select and navigate simply by looking.
- Gesture-based interaction, enabling three-dimensional control with hands and fingers.
- 3D video recording and spatial photography, available with select Vivo smartphones.
- A detachable external battery pack, phone-sized, offering up to two hours of usage.
A digital crown is also provided to adjust display opacity, while built-in cameras enhance AR performance.
Extended Reality Vision
Vivo describes the headset as the next step toward face-worn computers becoming central to digital life. The company’s vision is aligned with the wider spatial computing movement, which Apple and Meta have been heavily investing in.
During the launch, Vivo showcased scenarios where the headset could replace or complement existing devices such as smartphones and PCs.
Industry Response
Reactions from analysts highlight both excitement and caution:
- Ben Wood (CCS Insight) commented that although spatial computing represents a major growth opportunity, the market is developing slower than expected. He doubts Vivo’s device will immediately transform the company’s market standing.
- Runar Bjørhovde (Canalys) stated that the launch demonstrates Vivo’s R&D maturity, suggesting the brand is ready to take risks in emerging technology spaces even if sales remain limited in the near term.
Rollout and Strategy
Unlike Apple’s direct launch of the Vision Pro, Vivo has opted for a step-by-step rollout. The company will introduce the headset through demo zones in select Chinese cities, gathering user and developer feedback before initiating a full commercial launch.
This measured approach is designed to build an ecosystem and ensure product refinement.
Barriers to Adoption
Despite strong design and advanced features, the Vision Discovery Edition faces challenges similar to other MR headsets:
- High pricing relative to mass-market devices
- Short battery life limited to two hours per charge
- Limited library of apps and productivity tools
- Integration gaps with existing computers and mobile devices
Industry observers suggest that future improvements in display technology, power efficiency, and app ecosystems will determine the success of devices like Vivo’s headset.
Conclusion
The Vivo Vision Discovery Edition is the company’s bold attempt to stake a claim in the mixed-reality market. While the technology is still in its infancy and consumer adoption remains limited, Vivo’s lightweight design, advanced controls, and gradual rollout strategy signal its determination to compete with Apple, Meta, and Samsung in shaping the future of immersive computing.
