Telematics 2013-06-05 08:43 ET - In the News
The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday edition a completely overhauled in-car operating system from Ottawa's QNX Software Systems Inc. is proof QNX owner Research in Motion is making good on a promise to push its software into non-traditional markets. Postmedia's Vito Pilieci writes the CAR Platform 2.1 will allow automotive firms to install Android applications until now off-limits for vehicles, as well as to more easily create digital dashboards and heads up displays. Details of the new system are set to be announced Wednesday at the Telematics Detroit Conference. Consumers will be able to download mapping services, on-line music applications and games directly into vehicles equipped with the 2.1 operating system. This addresses the requests of many in the auto industry who wanted to take advantage of applications available to Android users without using Android to create a whole new in-car operating system. To showcase what is possible with the platform, QNX has brought its recently unveiled Bentley GTC as well as a recently modified Jeep Wrangler. Both run the new system. The system is designed to handle everything from monitoring a car's diagnostics and speed through to e-mails, movies and music.