To Demonstrate Virtual Reality Wearable Technology for First Time in Middle East.
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, is set to host its 16th TechForum focusing on wearable technology and its social and commercial implications for the GCC region. The platform will also provide a simulated experience of wearable technology for the first time in the Middle East.
The event will take place on 16 September at the DSO headquarters bringing together technology professionals, experts, academics and students.
In the opening session, Martyn Molnar, CEO of Tupelo, will highlight the ‘usage of wearable tech as a catalyst for positive change’. Vin Summer, Managing Director, Clicks and Links, will take the audience through a virtual reality tour to outline the benefits of leading technology wearables such as Oculus Rift and Sony Morpheus.
Wearable technology refers to clothing and accessories integrated with IT elements and advanced electronic technologies. From smart watches to exercise heart monitors, such technology connects users to various sources of real-time, actionable data. According to a study by Juniper Research, worldwide sales of smart wearable devices are set to increase from US$15 million in 2013 to US$70 million in 2017.
Ghanim Al Falasi, Senior VP Corporate Services at DSOA, said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis TechForum pioneers the adoption and deployment of new age technologies. We also seek opportunities to create platforms that gather tech experts from local and global markets and believe the session on wearable technology is timely and relevant given the huge interest that it has sparked among potential end users. DSOA looks forward to experiencing the first virtual reality tour that will provide an interesting and valuable insight to technology professionals in the country.”
Ahead of his participation at the 16th TechForum, Martyn Molnar, said: “Recent innovation in hardware has increased the popularity of wearable technology. However; the growth in wearable tech will not depend solely on technology but also the adoption among consumers. The change in consumer behaviour will be reflected in the next 6-12 months. In such scenarios where devices can gain access to a user’s personal information our innovations must prioritize security measures to maintain the confidentiality of data”.
“Recent progress in hardware has made wearable technology highly popular. In scenarios where devices can gain access to a user’s personal information, our innovations must prioritize security measures to maintain the confidentiality of data. We also make sure that the wearables comply with regional technology regulations and protocols. We urge the industry to adhere to these standards for customers to leverage the countless benefits of wearable technology,” Martyn concluded.
Vin Summer said: “Oculus Virtual Reality, recently acquired by Facebook, has set global trends in virtual technology. Its new product ‘Rift’ is a virtual reality headset that allows developers to build applications and enables players to ‘step into’ their favorite games in the virtual world. DSOA’s 16th TechForum is the perfect platform to launch and demonstrate this technology to Middle East audiences.”
The 16th edition of TechForum is supported by Silicon Oasis Capital and Silicon Oasis Founders, an incubation center owned by DSOA that encourages local entrepreneurial talent in the promising mobile application space and related technologies. The earlier editions of TechForum focused on topics such as data processing, mobile payments, cloud computing, augmented reality and social media with speakers from Du, Microsoft, SAP, IDC, Oracle, Facebook and Linked-In among others..
A wholly-owned entity of the government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone technology park for large enterprises, medium and small companies looking to set up their offices in Dubai.