Cars May Soon be Equipped with Blackberry
Apr. 12, 2010
Ford’s highly-acclaimed SYNC infotainment system may soon get a run for its money because Blackberry is planning to dive head first into the auto market.
“RIM, the company that makes the Blackberry smartphone, has just purchased QNX, a software company that specializes in the automotive sector,” reports Cars.com. “QNX works on navigation and other in-car systems, and from reports it seems like RIM’s acquisition will lead to future integration of the email-capable devices.”
Reuters quotes RIM President and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis: "RIM is excited about the planned acquisition of QNX Software Systems and we look forward to ongoing collaboration between Harman, QNX and RIM to further integrate and enhance the user experience between smartphones and in-vehicle audio and infotainment systems."
According to Business Week: “RIM will gain technology that helps Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Volkswagen AG’s Audi and Honda Motor Co.’s Acura cars connect to mobile phones, iPods and navigation systems. RIM is expanding into new markets as sales growth slows amid falling prices and competition from devices such as Apple Inc.’s iPhone.”
QNX currently has the infotainment market cornered. “In the auto sector, the company is the leading provider of operating systems for the car infotainment market,” writes the Toronto Sun. “The company said in March that its technology has been licensed for use in more than 17 million in-vehicle systems worldwide, an increase of more than 130% from 2008.”
The deal to purchase QNX is expected to close within 45 days. The company’s purchase price has not been disclosed.
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Cars May Soon be Equipped with Blackberry - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews
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