QNX CAR Platform Introduces Google Local Search, Virtual Mechanic, and Application Store Technology

OTTAWA, Sept. 29 -- QNX Software Systems, the global leader in operating systems and middleware for the in-car computing market, today announced several new features for QNX® CAR, an application platform that speeds the development of in-car systems through pre-assembled reference implementations and a large ecosystem of preintegrated technologies.

The new features for QNX CAR include Google local search, which enables drivers to discover local points of interest; a virtual mechanic, which alerts the driver to vehicle problems and points out the nearest service station; application store technology, which allows automotive OEMs and suppliers to quickly build their own online application stores; and an enhanced HMI framework, which turns Adobe Flash code into full-fledged in-car applications.

  --  Google local search -- This new feature dynamically displays local
      points of interest (POIs) to help drivers and passengers find nearby
      restaurants, gas stations, movie theaters, parks, ATMs, hospitals, and
      so on. Drivers and passengers can select each POI for phone number,
      full street address, and other information. Automotive OEMs and tier
      one suppliers can customize POI categories with a simple edit of an
      XML configuration file.
  --  Virtual mechanic -- The new virtual mechanic application gets OBD-II
      trouble codes from the vehicle CAN bus and displays them in an
      interactive car graphic. By simply tapping on the display, the driver
      can zoom in on areas of concern or find the closest service station or
      dealership.
  --  Application store technology -- The first of its kind for the
      automotive market, this ready-made solution includes an in-vehicle HMI
      that allows users to select and pay for applications, a back-end
      server infrastructure for delivering those applications, and download
      and installation services. It also comes with example applications,
      including several multiplayer games.

  --  Enhanced HMI framework -- The HMI framework provides all the
      underlying functionality to readily turn Adobe Flash code into
      full-fledged, integrated in-car applications with a consistent look
      and feel. The enhanced framework includes ActionScript extensions for
      direct access to native C code, an application launcher, and window
      management. Other new features include on-the-fly handling of
      day/night and localization changes, skinning support, automatic
      application installation/removal, persistent application state
      management, service/URL registration and lookup, system-wide support
      of indicators and notification messages, and a user-customizable
      favorites bar.

  Market leadership

Launched in February 2009, the QNX CAR application platform is already being used by multiple automotive OEMs, tier one suppliers, and multi-company initiatives to design next-generation in-vehicle infotainment and telematics systems.

"QNX CAR is far more than a concept -- it has become a hugely successful platform used by more than 50 active partners and customers to jump-start next-generation in-car applications," said Andrew Poliak, director of automotive business development, QNX Software Systems. "By pre-integrating leading-edge features with an inclusive ecosystem and standards-based technology proven in millions of vehicles, QNX CAR reduces development risk while enabling automotive OEMs and tier ones to dramatically reduce upfront engineering efforts."

As an automotive market leader, QNX Software Systems has licensed its software technology for more than 10 million in-vehicle systems worldwide, in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Saab, Ssangyong, Toyota, Volkswagen, and others.

Vote for QNX CAR at Adobe MAX awards

The QNX CAR application platform has been selected as a finalist for the Adobe MAX Awards for its innovative use of Adobe software, including Adobe Flash Lite.

Adobe MAX award winners are determined by public voting. Voting is open to everyone at http://max.adobe.com/awards, now through October 6, 2009.

Simply click on Vote Now, then scroll down to the QNX CAR Application Platform entry. There is no limit to voting.

Visit the QNX CAR portal

For more information on the QNX CAR program, including videos, product briefs, FAQs, and whitepapers, visit http://www.qnx.com/qnx_car_portal.

About QNX Software Systems

QNX Software Systems, a Harman International company , is the industry leader in realtime, embedded OS technology. The component-based architectures of the QNX® Neutrino® RTOS, QNX Momentics® Tool Suite, and QNX Aviage® middleware together provide the industry's most reliable and scalable framework for building innovative, high-performance embedded systems. Global leaders such as Cisco, Daimler, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Siemens depend on QNX technology for network routers, medical instruments, vehicle telematics units, security and defense systems, industrial robotics, and other mission- or life-critical applications. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and distributes products in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com.

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  Jennifer Barlow or Bill Keeler    Paul Leroux
  Schwartz Communications           QNX Software Systems
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