Pudong New Area, Shanghai's innovation powerhouse, is cementing its role as a global leader in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Recent milestones by homegrown and multinational firms highlight the region's growing influence in shaping the future of smart wearables.

Chinese company XREAL, the world's top consumer AR glasses brand for four consecutive years, plans to relocate its global headquarters to Pudong this month. With over 700,000 units shipped globally and a 43.9 percent market share in North America, XREAL aims to integrate China's AR supply chain into global ecosystems. The move follows a 200-million-yuan ($28 million) investment from Pudong Venture Capital Group, accelerating its R&D and commercialization.

XREAL One Pro, the new generation upgraded flagship model, enters the market in July. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

Meanwhile, DPVR launched its first AI-powered consumer glasses, the DPVR AI Glasses, targeting Gen Z with a lightweight design, 46 grams in weight, and AI features like real-time translation and voice assistance. The product, already available for pre-order on JD.com, merges first-person video recording with smart interaction, redefining daily tech use.

Pudong's Zhangjiang Science City now hosts a thriving AR/VR cluster, spanning chip design, AI algorithms, and smart sensors. Backed by policy support and talent programs, the district is fostering breakthroughs that position China at the forefront of the global smart glasses market.

As firms like XREAL and DPVR expand their global footprint, Pudong emerges as a critical nexus for innovation, driving the convergence of hardware, software, and ecosystems in the next era of computing.