Vivo’s 5G smartphone to launch commercially in 2020 with ‘intelligent’ capabilities

“While earlier the brand had said that its smartphone will launch in 2019, now it’s indicating that we’ll only see a pre-commercial device next year”

In September this year, Chinese brand Vivo showed a version of its flagship NEX (review) phone running 5G. Back then, the company had mentioned that it’ll be launching its 5G handset commercially in 2019. However, at the ongoing Qualcomm 4G/5G Summit, Vice President of Vivo and Head of Vivo Artificial Intelligence Global Research Institute, Mr Wei Zhou mentioned that we’ll only see pre-commercial devices from the brand in 2019, while the 5G-capable smartphone will launch in 2020. Interestingly, he also mentioned that the upcoming offering will be a “5G intelligent phone“.

Sharing the history of how Vivo has been preparing for the forthcoming cellular revolution, Zhou said that the company had set up its 5G R&D centre in 2016. He went on to say that the brand also played an instrumental role in defining 3GPP standards and started its 5G antenna and RF technology research in 2017. This year, along with showcasing the prototype phone, Vivo will also join carrier trials. Zhou also discussed the technical challenges for adding 5G support in smartphones, including new RF components / Antenna, need of better power and thermal management and issue of signal interference.

During the session, Mr Wei discussed how the brand is aiming to implement AI capabilities as well. He shared examples of how travel, retail and entertainment can be better while users are commuting, and artificial intelligence can also take care of lifestyle requirements like medical emergencies. Vivo already has its voice assistant dubbed Jovi, but he teased that in future, the same can provide personalised assistance. Zhou stated “5G will become an intelligent terminal. It’ll actively serve Vivo’s device, and in turn, that’ll serve consumers.“

Whether its next year or 2020, it’s evident that most smartphone brands will be boarding the 5G bandwagon sooner than later.

Disclosure: this writer attended the 4G/5G Summit in Hong Kong on Qualcomm India’s invitation

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