On Q hits milestone: 100,000+ visits

So, I was looking at my Sitemeter account earlier today (you know, the thingie that measures traffic to this blog), and here's what I saw:



My first thought upon seeing this stat? Cool! My second thought? I need to thank everyone who made it possible.

As a QNXer, I'm fortunate to have lots of cool technology to talk about. I'm even more fortunate to have readers who are willing to listen, comment, and, yes, disagree with me. Because the real fun starts when the convo warms up.

All of which to say, thank you — for visiting, for subscribing, for reading, for watching, for commenting, for responding, and, above all, for making this an enjoyable ride. And while I'm at it, a big bear hug for all the colleagues who have supported this blog with their expertise and encouragement. You guys are the best.

And now, a request...
Tell you what, let's make this occasion a little more interactive. Do you have a favorite On Q post? If so, leave a comment — I'd love to hear about it.

Meanwhile, here are 5 of the all-time most popular posts on this blog:

• QNX system runs 15 years nonstop until...
• First pix of the QNX medical reference design
• WIRED: Gadget-filled Corvette connects with QNX
• I passed the buck...
• Two naughty! My favorite QNX marketing campaign

POSTSCRIPT
In case you're wondering, 100,000 isn't my daily visit count — it's the total count. The actual number is higher, as I started to measure traffic about six months after my first post. For those of you who prefer page views as a metric, the total is 173,000+.
 

Chinese manufacturer chooses QNX for IOT home appliance control systems

A view of the Dalian factory

QNX Software Systems has announced that Dalian Eastern Display, a Chinese manufacturer of applications and controls for LCD panels and modules, is using QNX technology to create control systems for Internet of Things (IOT) home appliances.

The control systems will allow intelligent washing machines, intelligent refrigerators, high-end air conditioners, and other home appliances to connect wirelessly to the Internet.

Dalian Eastern Display also plans to use QNX in systems for medical devices and construction machinery.

“The QNX Neutrino RTOS has proven well-suited to developing IOT intelligent home appliance nodes and terminals… we look forward to working closely with QNX Software Systems as we develop other competitive products,” said Duan Yunsheng, general manager, Dalian Eastern Display.

According to the press release, the QNX Neutrino RTOS helps Dalian to achieve stable performance and fast startup times, and to reduce the time and effort of developing graphical user interfaces.

In 2010, the Chinese government puts its weight behind the IOT market by incorporating it into the country’s 12th five-year plan.
 

QNX, SIAT CAS to establish software center of excellence in China

The SIAT CAS campus

This just in: QNX has announced that it will collaborate with the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, a branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT CAS), to establish a center of excellence for embedded software. The goal is to enable software designs for mass transit systems, power networks, telecom systems, and other infrastructure projects that have rigorous demands for reliability and safety.

SIAT CAS is a research and educational organization responsible for evaluating technologies used in infrastructure projects. It has already evaluated QNX technology for various projects and, under the expanded collaboration, will employ additional QNX products for research and education.

“Safety and security in critical infrastructures are key requirements in China. QNX software technology is known for its reliability and is a preferred choice for mission- and safety-critical systems,” said Professor T. John Koo, the founding director of the Center for Embedded Software Systems at SIAT CAS and a QNX user since 1996.

For its part, QNX Software Systems will train SIAT CAS researchers and engineers on QNX technology on an ongoing basis. Both organizations will assign project managers to work together on joint project activities.

SIAT CAS has a mandate to enhance the indigenous innovation capabilities of the manufacturing and services industries in the area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and greater China. For more information on the organization, visit the SIAT CAS website. And for more information this announcement, read the QNX press release.

On a related note, QNX is currently holding its second annual China Technology Innovation Conference in Beijing and Shanghai. You can read about the conference here.
 

New video: WIRED Autopia meets up with QNX reference vehicle

This just in: Doug Newcomb of WIRED Autopia (and, of course, of the Doug Newcomb blog) has posted a short video of the new QNX reference vehicle, taken last week at Telematics Detroit.

Highlights include the vehicle's re-skinnable user interface and voice-controlled Facebook integration. Roll the tape...



As indicated in the video, the reference vehicle is based on the QNX CAR application platform. For info on the platform, visit QNX CAR web page.
 

QNX reference vehicle: A peek behind the scenes

Got three minutes? Because I'd like you to watch a short video.

Last week, on the QNX auto blog, I introduced the new QNX reference vehicle, a specially modified Jeep Wrangler. Today, I'd like you to see what went into the making of the Jeep.

A project like this takes a multi-disciplinary team. You need people with skills in industrial design, user-interface design, HTML5, OpenGL graphics, wireless networking, device drivers... the list goes on. Being a strong team player doesn't hurt, either. Nor, for that matter, does being handy with a screwdriver.

But don't take my word for it; check out the vid and see for yourself:



A word before I go: A couple of weeks ago, some colleagues and I stopped by to take some photos of the Jeep. The team members on deck were incredibly helpful, and I'd like to thank them for all their support. And as for the team as a whole, kudos for a job well done!
 

QNX unveils new reference vehicle with Facebook integration and re-skinnable dash

Your ride is about to get personal.

Early this morning, QNX took the wraps off its new reference vehicle, a specially modified Jeep Wrangler — think of it as a software reference design on wheels.

The Jeep offers an example of how developers can use the QNX CAR 2 platform to build digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems, using standard technologies like OpenGL ES and HTML5. In particular, it shows how the platform can help in-car systems become both personalizeable and social-media savvy.

For instance, the Jeep includes:

a re-skinnable digital instrument cluster

a re-skinnable infotainment system

Facebook integration, controlled by voice commands

integration with a variety of popular smartphones

an HTML5 framework

one-touch pairing with Bluetooth smartphones using NFC

high-definition hands-free audio

tablet-based rear-seat entertainment

a virtual mechanic

text-to-speech and natural speech recognition

The list goes on. For a quick pictorial guide to the Jeep, check out my post on the QNX auto blog. And for more details, read the press releases QNX issued this morning on the Jeep's personalization and Facebook features.

Speaking of Facebook, you can find even more photos of the Jeep on the QNX Facebook page, where you can also see status updates posted by the Jeep itself. (BTW, my marketing colleagues tell me to tell you to "like" the page. So be a dear and hit the Like button... pretty please?)


A view of the Jeep's head unit. See more photos on the QNX auto blog.