Qatar's leading telecom company Ooredoo has entered into a strategic relationship with US-based Kopin Corporation in bid to make Qatar one of the leading countries in the world for next generation wearable computing technology.

The agreement is being signed as part of Ooredoo’s commitment to deliver Smart Solutions and Services, as the telecommunications company prepares Qatar to be one of the best-connected “Smart Cities” on the planet for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, said a senior official.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on both the advancement of existing hands-free headset computing technology and innovative research to expand the range of wearable technology.  

Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, the CEO of Ooredoo Qatar sand Dr John C.C. Fan, the chief executive officer of Kopin signed the deal at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Sheikh Saud pointed out that driving technological advances was a key goal for Ooredoo, and its partnership with Kopin was designed to open new doors, particularly for the public safety and emergency sectors.

"The new technology developed through this collaboration will not only benefit Qatar, as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA Cup, but will also provide life-saving innovations for people of all nations, as we empower fire-fighters, emergency workers and police through wearable technology," he remarked.

Dr Fan said Kopin’s headset computing reference designs enable people to access information, including schematics, instructions and diagrams, through voice commands and view them while keeping their hands free during work.

According to him, Kopin's technology portfolio includes ultra-small displays, optics, speech enhancement technology, software, low-power ASICs, and ergonomically designed smart headset concept systems.

"Ooredoo is our latest partner who envisions using our reference designs to create products with tremendous life-saving potential," he noted.

Ooredoo said its venture into wearable technology is aligned with its on-going investment into building the fastest and best networks for Qatar, so that all companies and people can benefit from cutting-edge innovations.

"Ooredoo will provide hands-free mobile support for a number of public and private enterprises in Qatar, from aircraft maintenance to medical support, fire-fighting and disaster relief," added Sheikh Saud.-TradeArabia News Service