QNX Provides Email Integration with Blackberry Smartphones for Drivers

QNX Software Systems Co., a subsidiary of Research In Motion Limited and one of the leaders in operating systems and middleware for the in-car telematics, has recently announced that it will demonstrate in-car mobile office integration of Bluetooth-enabled smartphones.

The demonstration will take place at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and it will be a world’s first.

The company is using the sleek BMW Z4 Roadster to showcase the latest BMW ConnectedDrive system, powered by its own technology, which is supposed to give drivers access to email messages from Bluetooth connected Blackberry smartphones.

Furthermore, the messages received should be displayed on the BMW iDrive display when the car is stationary. Those who are driving can opt to listen to messages, by simply pressing a button.

QNX's solution is designed to provide drivers with a safe way to use their smartphones while they are in their cars.

“BMW has been a long-time pioneer in bringing communications and connectivity to cars. And with the new mobile messaging functionality in BMW ConnectedDrive, it is once again leading the way,” said Derek Kuhn, vice president, sales and marketing, QNX Software Systems.

“QNX is pleased to continue to work alongside BMW in breaking new ground in car connectivity and to provide the realtime infotainment platform that makes ConnectedDrive’s advanced features possible,” added Kuhn.

According to QNX, the new BMW ConnectedDrive System is based on the QNX Neutrino Realtime Operating System (RTOS) and it incorporates the company's multimedia suite, which provides seamless integration with smartphones, media players, USB drives, as well as other mobile devices.

Apparently, QNX has licensed its in-car solutions for more than 20 million vehicles, including digital instrument clusters, hands-free systems, multimedia head units, connectivity modules and 3D navigation systems.

In addition to the e-mail integration solution, the BMW ConnectedDrive system offers a wide range of features which are available on the full range of 2011 BMW models.