In a significant showcase of technological advancement, vivo, a global leader in mobile technology, hosted the 2024 vivo Global Imaging Press Conference in Beijing today. The event gathered over 100 representatives from media outlets worldwide, following the unveiling of the latest vivo X200 series smartphones. The conference highlighted vivo’s commitment to imaging innovations and outlined the brand’s strategic vision for enhancing mobile experiences under the motto: “Empowering Experience through Digital, Humanizing Technology for All.”
Central to vivo’s product development strategy is a dedication to addressing the ever-evolving needs of its global user base through user-oriented innovations. The event featured insights from prominent figures in the imaging field, including Yu Meng, Vice President of Imaging at vivo; Li Zhuo, Senior Director of Imaging Product at vivo; and Sebastian Döntgen, Head of Mobile Imaging at ZEISS Photonics and Optics. Their discussions focused on the ongoing advancements in vivo’s imaging technology, driven by a user-centric philosophy and emerging trends poised to shape the industry.
In his welcoming address, Yu Meng underscored the significance of imaging technology as a medium that transcends cultural boundaries and fosters connections. “We firmly believe in the power of imaging technology, which stands as a testament to technological innovation and a celebration of human creativity,” he stated. He also noted vivo’s impressive global expansion since embarking on its globalization journey in 2014, emphasizing the company’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its international user community.
To better understand these needs, vivo has developed a sophisticated user research methodology that utilizes quantitative analysis to glean nuanced insights into local imaging preferences. This user-focused approach, paired with a robust network of over 700 R&D professionals and pioneering collaborations within the industry, has solidified vivo’s position in the market. Currently, the company boasts over 500 million users across more than 60 countries and regions.
Li Zhuo guided attendees through vivo’s journey of imaging innovations, highlighting four key areas: Landscape, Portrait, Telephoto, and Videography. He detailed significant enhancements in landscape photography, showcasing features that empower users to capture the beauty of the world both day and night. In portrait photography, Li presented the new X200 series, emphasizing its Ultra-Sensing Portrait System and ZEISS Multifocal Portrait capabilities. The X200 Pro, with its 135mm focal length, enables users to take professional-grade portraits, raising the bar for smartphone photography.
Vivo is also making strides in telephoto technology, as evidenced by the groundbreaking 20x zoom capability in the X200 series. This achievement underscores vivo’s leadership in advancing ultra-sensing, high-pixel, and periscope telephoto camera technologies, bolstered by its collaboration with ZEISS in co-engineering the imaging system.
On the videography front, the evolution from vivo’s V1 to the advanced V3+ imaging chip marks a significant leap in computational power, enabling users to capture stable, high-definition videos that set new industry standards. Sebastian Döntgen, representing ZEISS, highlighted their fruitful collaboration, which has integrated iconic ZEISS technologies like Planar and Biotar Style Bokeh into vivo smartphones. Döntgen emphasized the partnership’s shared goal: to deliver cutting-edge imaging solutions that inspire users to tell their stories through the universal language of images.
Li Zhuo reiterated that imaging serves as a bridge between the digital and human worlds, adding that vivo is committed to fostering a mobile imaging culture through initiatives like the “vivo VISION+.” This year’s VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards, co-hosted with ZEISS, attracted a record-breaking 600,000 entries captured on vivo devices, showcasing the accessibility and power of its imaging technology.
Looking toward the future, Li identified three key trends shaping the landscape of imaging: imaging security, 3D imaging/XR, and health imaging. He stressed the importance of safeguarding user image data and privacy, especially as AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated. Vivo, in collaboration with ZEISS, is committed to addressing these challenges proactively.
Vivo is also pioneering advancements in 3D imaging and XR technologies. The vivo X100 Ultra has introduced 3D imaging capabilities by synchronizing multiple cameras and advanced 3D image processing, allowing users to capture vibrant, lifelike images. A partnership with Rokid enhances the user experience, enabling seamless transitions from capturing stunning 3D imagery to experiencing it through AR glasses. Looking ahead to 2025, vivo plans to launch innovative Mixed Reality (MR) wearables that will further expand the possibilities of imaging technology.
Recognizing the transformative potential of mobile imaging in healthcare, vivo has partnered with leading ophthalmic institutions, such as Ai Er Eye Hospital and the Eye Center Second Affiliated Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Together, they have conducted a pioneering clinical trial demonstrating the capability of capturing images of the eye with a clarity comparable to specialized ophthalmic equipment, thanks to the integration of a professional ophthalmic slit lamp in the X100 series smartphone.
Vivo remains steadfast in its commitment to a user-centric philosophy, driven by a long-standing culture of innovation and strategic partnerships with industry leaders. This relentless pursuit positions vivo at the forefront of mobile imaging technology, fostering harmony between the human and digital realms while continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible.