Oppo’s new research and development (R&D) centre is part of its global strategy to invest $1.43 billion in the development of emerging technologies
Oppo is coming up with its second largest research and development (R&D) centre in Hyderabad with the aim to focus on smartwatches and the Internet of things (IoT), apart from the smartphones segment. The aim is mainly to expand its market presence in the country.
Focus on software related R&D
The Chinese handset maker is planning to launch products and services in the smartwatch and IoT segments in 2019 and the upcoming centre will lay emphasis on software-related R&D. Tasleem Arif, Vice-President, Head, R&D, Oppo said that the company is concentrating on software in India, especially Color OS. He added that the focus would be software localisation initially for Indian consumers and device quality.
Enhancing device performance
Oppo wants to work on device performance. Arif said that the R&D centre would also work towards making Oppo mobiles more compatible with the country’s cellular networks. “The third focus is to work on camera capabilities for our products,” he added.
Employment generation
The mobile maker is planning to hire more than 500 engineers for the upcoming facility. The executive said that the company is hiring more engineers from India’s premier institute, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Oppo’s R&D will provide a platform to startups and smaller companies to build a local ecosystem. It is also exploring potential partners across all verticals in India.
The China-based tech giant already has R&D centres in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Yokohama in Japan and the US. The Hyderabad centre is an addition to the company’s portfolio. It is being set up as part of the global R&D strategy.
Overall, Oppo is investing around $1.43 billion globally to work on 5G, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things.
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