January 20, 2004Telematics TechnologyQNX Software Systems today announced that it has reached a milestone of more than 50 telematics industry customers and related projects. LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show, Jan 07, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Reinforcing its position as the leading real-time operating system (RTOS) provider for in- car telematics applications, QNX Software Systems today announced that it has reached a milestone of more than 50 telematics industry customers and related projects. With a roster of Tier One automotive suppliers such as Delphi, Harman Becker, Hyundai Autonet, Johnson Controls, LG Electronics, Mobis, Navis and Visteon. QNX has emerged as the premier supplier of automotive-grade operating system software for in-car computing devices such as navigation and infotainment systems, communications platforms and diagnostic terminals. Telematics units powered by the QNX(R) Neutrino(R) real-time operating system can already be found worldwide in vehicles built by Acura, Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Daewoo, Hyundai, Saab and other auto manufacturers. "Unlike the desktop, the dashboard is about rugged computing. And unlike the productivity applications running on the desktop, telematics applications are, in many cases, safety applications," according to Dan Dodge, CEO of QNX Software Systems. "As the vehicle becomes increasingly complex, networked and reliant on software, the reliability and performance of the OS must stand up to auto industry requirements. System crashes and unpredictable response times simply aren't an option." For more than 23 years, QNX has offered the embedded industry's only fault-tolerant microkernel RTOS for mission-critical applications, such as the International Space Station, high-speed trains in Europe, air traffic control systems in major airports and hospital emergency rooms from North America to Asia. With the emergence of the telematics industry in the last five years, QNX has taken its expertise in high reliability to the technology industry's newest computing platform -- the automobile. "By the year 2010, globally 97 million telematics-enabled cars and light trucks will be on the highways with 45 million coming in North America alone," according the Phil Magney, principal analyst, Telematics Research Group. "Through its growing list of telematics partnerships, QNX has positioned itself as one of the leading providers in this industry. As prices drop and more applications move from the design phase and onto showroom floors, the barriers for industry growth will finally have been broken." QNX Neutrino has been the central RTOS for the industry's leading telematics architectures, including Motorola's mobileGT and Renesas' (formerly Hitachi Semiconductor) Community Enabling Telematics (COMET) platform. With key designs still in the lab with most of the Tier One automotive suppliers, QNX is hitting the road in 2004 already inside some of the most talked about vehicles. Acura TL (CES Booth # SE 2) QNX powers HandsFreeLink, a Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free phone system that comes standard in the Acura TL. The system creates a wireless connection to mobile phones, allowing drivers to make and receive calls using the TL's voice recognition and audio systems. HandsFreeLink is activated by push buttons located on the steering wheel. Audi A8 QNX powers the Bluetooth-enabled telematics control unit that enables calls to be placed over a Bluetooth handset and transferred to the car's Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone. The Audi system can connect to a Bluetooth-enabled portable PC or PDA to exchange emails and surf the Internet via a cellular system. Chrysler Pacifica QNX powers UConnect, an optional, hands-free, in-vehicle communication system available on the Luxury FWD and Luxury AWD. Using a Bluetooth connected phone, the UConnect system automatically lowers the volume on the audio system and broadcasts the incoming call. A microphone in the rearview mirror takes voice commands and allows the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel for safety. Daewoo QNX powers the VisionJoy system, an integrated navigation and information unit. The system uses a touchscreen interface and GPS-enabled communications to provide drivers with services such as traffic and congestion updates, automatic route selection and detailed "turn-by-turn" voice directions. The unit allows multimedia CD/MP3 playback and Internet connectivity for mobile office applications, including Web access, email and shopping. Hyundai Autonet (CES Booth # 71128) QNX powers the Driver Information System (DIS) Platform, which simultaneously runs a navigation system, a hands-free phone module, a rear- seat entertainment screen and other media-rich applications. The unit also integrates standard automotive controls like window lifts, seat adjusts, and HVAC through a single, multi-functional console. Saab 9-3 QNX powers an infotainment system that combines Bluetooth, navigation and connection to the Media Oriented System Transport (MOST) bus. In addition, this high-end entertainment system provides control to both a mapping navigation system and an additional turn-by-turn driving display. The driver can run several devices simultaneously, including a DVD-based GPS navigation system, a Radio Data System (RDS) receiver, a CD changer and a mobile phone. About QNX Software Systems Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is the industry leader in realtime, microkernel OS technology. The inherent reliability, scalable architecture, and proven performance of the QNX Neutrino RTOS make it the most trusted foundation for future-ready applications in the networking, automotive, medical, and industrial automation markets. Companies worldwide like Cisco, Ford, Siemens, and Texaco depend on the QNX technology for their mission- and life-critical applications. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, QNX Software Systems maintains offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, and distributes its products in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit http://www.qnx.com. Reader Information Editorial Contacts Paul Leroux
SOURCE QNX Software Systems Editorial Contacts, Bill Keeler or Chantal Yang both of Schwartz |