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TMTPOST -- Chinese smartphone giant Vivo Communication Technology has officially stepped into the mixed reality (MR) arena with the launch of its new headset, the Vivo Vision Explorer Edition, marking a strategic expansion into spatial computing and robotics.
The unveiling took place this week as part of Vivo』s broader push to explore applications in artificial intelligence and household robotics, signaling a potential shift in the company』s product ecosystem.
「Mixed reality devices could become a good interface for robot-related applications in the future,」 Hu Baishan, executive vice president of the Dongguan-based company and president of Vivo』s Central Research Institute, told industry attendees during a forum on Monday. He highlighted the dual potential of MR: offering a more immersive user experience in the short term while serving as the 「eyes and brain」 of future home robots.
In March, Vivo established a robotics lab under Hu』s leadership, tasked with developing decision-making systems for robots, as well as spatial awareness capabilities. MR products are expected to become the 「smart eye」 of robots, scanning environments and collecting real-time information to support autonomous behavior. The company has previously indicated plans to launch its first household robot within three years, potentially serving as a household assistant or elderly caregiver.
Despite the enthusiasm, industry insiders caution that building household robots is far more complex than smartphones. 「Robots require a long industrial chain and multiple technical disciplines,」 one source told Yicai. While smartphone engineers are adept at software and AI algorithms, hardware development—mechanics, motion control, and sensor integration—remains a significant hurdle. Converting existing production lines to support robots is also expected to be slow and costly.
Vivo』s strategic foray into MR mirrors the transformative shifts that once reshaped the mobile phone industry. In 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the first-generation iPhone, which few initially saw as a threat to Nokia. Within four years, Apple』s innovation redefined the global smartphone market. Vivo is now attempting a similar leap, leveraging three decades of R&D experience to enter the MR space, believing it has the potential to become the next-generation computing platform.
Kevin Kelly, a noted futurist, described the rise of the 「Mirrorworld」 in his book The World After 5,000 Days—a digital-physical hybrid environment where MR headsets serve as the gateway. Vivo is positioning the Vision Explorer Edition to capture this emerging market, building on trends first highlighted by Apple with the Vision Pro, whose commercial reception fell short of expectations. Unlike Apple, Vivo emphasizes user experience over feature-heavy specifications.
The Vivo Vision Explorer Edition addresses two key challenges that have historically hindered MR adoption: usefulness and usability. Today, MR remains primarily a tech enthusiast and B2B tool, with limited consumer-facing applications. Vivo』s headset aims to change that, offering immersive experiences for video, gaming, and office productivity. Users can enjoy dome-style video playback, mobile giant-screen cinema, spatial photography and videos, and large-scale gaming integration through PC connectivity. Spatial multitasking allows multiple applications to run simultaneously, supporting efficient workflows. Additionally, flagship Vivo phones such as the X100 Ultra and X200 Ultra serve as creative tools for spatial content, expanding the ecosystem.
The headset』s hardware is built for performance and comfort. It features Micro-OLED displays, dual 8K resolution, a Pancake optical system, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ platform. Vivo has focused on ergonomics, using aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and other lightweight materials to reduce the device』s weight to just 398 grams. Multiple face mask designs and foam padding options ensure a customized fit for different users, developed in partnership with leading domestic universities.
Beyond consumer applications, Vivo envisions MR as a core technology for home robotics. The rapid advancement of AI is enabling more capable robots, and demographic trends, including an aging population, are driving demand for household automation. Vivo』s robotics lab is exploring the integration of MR with AI to provide robots with enhanced perception and decision-making abilities, complementing partner-developed mechanical and motion systems. Chen Xiangyu, founder of IO-Al.tech, explained that MR devices allow robots to access rich data streams from human users, acting as both an interactive control interface and a data bridge.
Vivo』s approach emphasizes gradual refinement. The Vision Explorer Edition will not immediately be available for purchase. Instead, the company is opening experience stations in select cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, to gather user feedback and refine the device. Hu Baishan emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, stating, 「Great experiences require continuous refinement. Progress should be gradual, following the objective laws of hardware development.」
The Vivo Vision Explorer Edition also represents a strategic pivot in human-computer interaction. By combining MR, AI, and robotics, Vivo aims to create a new super-platform that moves beyond traditional smartphones. The company』s strategy prioritizes high-frequency use cases and user-centric design, setting it apart from competitors who emphasize technical specs over daily usability.
The MR headset market is growing rapidly. Global MR revenue is projected to reach $290.8 billion by 2028, up from $72.4 billion in 2024. In China, active MR users totaled 32 million in 2024, with growth expected to exceed 20% this year. Vivo aims to capitalize on this momentum by delivering an MR device that appeals to mainstream users, rather than tech enthusiasts alone.
Industry observers note that Vivo』s early leadership in MR is significant for the domestic tech sector. By combining a diverse hardware ecosystem with a robust content ecosystem, the company is positioning itself to lead China』s next wave of technological innovation. The headset also serves as a stepping stone toward MR-integrated home robots, which could become increasingly relevant as demand for intelligent household devices grows.
Vivo』s strategy reflects lessons learned from past computing revolutions. Televisions, PCs, and smartphones each represented a new era of user experience, emphasizing high-quality, immersive displays. MR extends this trend by offering a spatial, interactive, and immersive platform. Hu Baishan highlighted that consumer demand for large-screen, immersive experiences—such as watching films or gaming—is a key driver for MR adoption.
The company』s commitment to 「user-first」 design is evident across both MR and robotics initiatives. Its Blue Heart large language model will power AI capabilities for future home robots, while MR serves as a critical interface for perception and interaction. The combination of human-centered hardware design and AI-driven intelligence underscores Vivo』s ambition to create household robots that can operate effectively in unstructured environments.
Ultimately, Vivo』s launch of the Vision Explorer Edition is both a product debut and a strategic milestone. It positions the company as a leader in China』s MR industry, provides a foundation for future robotics integration, and signals the growing importance of spatial computing as a next-generation platform. By focusing on high-frequency use cases, ergonomic design, and seamless user experience, Vivo hopes to accelerate MR adoption and establish a competitive edge in an emerging sector that combines AI, robotics, and immersive technologies.
As Vivo enters its 30th year, the Vision Explorer Edition reflects the company』s long-term vision for technological innovation. The headset is not only a consumer device but also a strategic tool to explore the intersection of MR, AI, and robotics. With the growing domestic and global MR market, Vivo』s early investments and user-focused approach could redefine the trajectory of mixed reality and smart robotics, positioning China as a leader in next-generation computing platforms.
