SK Telecom Co., South Korea’s leading telecommunications services provider, said on Sunday that it will export 300 million yen ($2.8 million) worth of portable smart beam projectors to Japanese retailer Taisei Express Co. over a period of one year. The company’s product - United Object (UO) Smart Beam Laser - has been developed jointly with Cremotech Co., a small- and mid-size company manufacturing laser projection and display solutions in Korea.

Taisei Express, a leading retailer based in Tokyo that is engaged in the sales of mainly portable smart devices, plans to sell the UO Smart Beam Lasers through Japan’s online retail channels such as Amazon and Yahoo Japan. Taisei Express also plans to sell the SK Telecom’s beam projectors via major electronic retail stores including Bic Camera and Yamada Denki.

UO Smart Beam Laser was jointly developed by SK Telecom and Cremotech, a small enterprise that took part in the larger company’s “Bravo! Restart” program dedicated to supporting and nurturing local start-ups. The latest joint development of the smart beam projector is considered a successful example in Korea of a large company promoting shared growth with smaller players in the industry.

The smart device was honored with the Innovation Award at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show. It has been credited for features such as high definition quality display, wireless connection with mobile devices, and its portable size of 5.5 centimeters.

Kim Seong-han, head of SK Telecom’s device planning division, said that the company plans to take Japan as a stepping stone to make entries into other global markets to sell products under its UO brand. SK Telecom launched the life-wear brand last year as part of efforts to find new revenue sources amid the saturated telecommunications market and introduced various products such as smart bands and speakers.

By Ahn Jeong-hoon

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