Vivo Shelves AI Glasses Project Amid Market Uncertainty

Smartphone maker vivo has quietly suspended development of its AI-powered glasses after approximately six months of work, according to industry sources. The project, which had progressed to prototype stages through collaborations with manufacturers including Gooear and China Mobile Software, now faces an uncertain future.

Executive Concerns About Differentiation

Insiders reveal the decision came after senior leadership - including Executive Vice President Hu Boshan - concluded current AI glasses technology fails to offer meaningful differentiation in either features or user experience. "When multiple products solve the same problems in similar ways, consumers don't see the value," explains tech analyst Mark Chen. "Vivo seems unwilling to enter what could become just another commodity market."

The Chinese manufacturer hasn't officially commented on the project's status, leaving industry watchers speculating about strategic shifts within vivo's wearable division.

Mixed Signals in Wearables Strategy

This setback comes just five months after vivo cautiously launched its "Vision Exploration Edition" MR glasses through limited offline channels rather than full retail distribution. That selective rollout suggests ongoing hesitation about wearables despite significant R&D investments.

"Smartphone brands face a tricky balancing act," notes wearable tech consultant Lisa Wang. "They can't ignore emerging categories but must avoid me-too products that dilute their brands."

The shelved AI glasses project highlights how even major players struggle translating smartphone success into other form factors. With giants like Apple still refining their AR/VR strategies and startups flooding the market with niche devices, vivo's pause might reflect broader industry recalibration rather than company-specific challenges.

What Comes Next?

All eyes now turn to whether vivo will redirect resources toward:

• Expanding its MR glasses lineup
• Developing hybrid AR/AI wearables
• Waiting for more mature technology before re-entering the space

The company's next moves could signal whether this represents tactical retreat or strategic withdrawal from smart eyewear altogether.

Key Points:

• Project Suspension: Vivo halts six-month-old AI glasses initiative after prototype phase
• Differentiation Dilemma: Executives reportedly concerned about lack of unique selling points
• MR Focus Continues: Company maintains cautious approach with existing mixed reality product line
• Industry Trend: Highlights smartphone makers' challenges expanding into competitive wearables markets