QNX takes the wraps off two new technology concept cars

You may be wondering why I've been quiet lately. Well, as turns out, I've been anything but quiet. I've just been noisy somewhere else! And that somewhere else is the QNX auto blog, where you can learn about two new technology concept cars that QNX unveiled this week at 2014 CES.

So if you haven't been to the auto blog lately, don't stop, don't hesitate, don't prevaricate; just get yourself down there. And if you still need convincing, here's a taste of what you'll see:



and another:



and yet another:



and still another:

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 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.
 

Phonedog connects with QNX concept car at BlackBerry World 2012

If you aren't at BlackBerry World this week, you're missing out. For starters, you won't get to see what, in my biased opinion, is the world's coolest car: the QNX-powered and very connected Porsche 911.

But not all is lost. You can still watch this video from Sydney Myers of PhoneDog.com, who caught with up with Mike Shane of QNX for a tour of the car's features — from instant smartphone pairing and off-board navigation to handsfree calling with HD stereo. Check it out:



My favorite part? When the text overlay on the video shouts out "The audio quality was REALLY good." Got that right.

And did I mention? Mike is one of the super-talented people who built the concept car. He's a keeper.

This post also appeared on the QNX auto blog.
 

New video: The making of the QNX concept car

You've seen the finished product in all its infotainment glory. Now look at what went into making the concept car that took home a Best of CES award:



And in case you haven't seen the finished product, check out this video from CNET's Antuan Goodwind. It touches on all of the car's salient features, including one-touch smartphone pairing, backseat entertainment, video streaming, rich app support, ultra HD voice technology, and, last but not least, the reconfigurable digital instrument cluster:


 

(Yet) another video of the QNX concept car

I've already shared some videos of the new QNX concept car, which made its debut last week at 2012 CES. Here's another video of the car, from the Inside BlackBerry team, that is worth a watch.

Among other things, the video shows how the car can quickly pair with a Bluetooth phone, via NFC. It also shows how the head unit can seamlessly control the backseat tablets. Check it out:



Related posts:

• New CNET video takes you on guided tour of QNX concept car
  
• New QNX concept car is "on the verge"
  
• QNX drives home with a Best of CES award

 

New QNX concept car is "on the verge"

Yesterday, I treated you to an excellent video of the QNX concept car, taken by CNET reporter Antuan Goodwin. Well sit back down, because I've got another video that runs through even more of the car's features.

The new video features Jacob Schulman, a reporter for The Verge, and my inestimable colleague Justin Moon. Highlights include instant phone pairing; multi-node media control and playback; text-to-voice for email and text messages; high-def stereo hands-free calls; and voice control of the digital instrument cluster.


 

Cool use of Corvette and (really) dumb use of Corvette

Cool use:


Really dumb use:

 

Toshiba drives performance of digital instrument clusters with new Capricorn-H controller

You may not know it, but the QNX OS powers a variety of digital instrument clusters, in vehicles such as the Jaguar XJ and the Land Rover Range Rover. To create these clusters, automotive designers need graphics silicon that can pack a lot of performance, simplify system design, and keep costs down. Not an easy combination.

To address these requirements, Toshiba Electronics Europe has just launched Capricorn-H, a display controller for instrument clusters and other in-car displays.

Equipped with an ARM Cortex-A9 multi-core processor, Capricorn-H is a compact, integrated device that incorporates all of the functions and peripherals needed to control TFT panels and to display high-quality 2D/3D graphics. To reduce costs, the controller features a ‘Magic Square’ algorithm for delivering 24-bit performance from lower-cost 18-bit displays. And to simplify the display of virtual speedometers and tachometers, the controller uses a 2D graphics engine with high-performance rotation, transformation, and scaling functions.

Key features:

Dual output, five-plane display controller

3D and 2D graphics engines

Dual programmable shader pipeline architecture

Support for displays up to 12.3"

2MB embedded SRAM

3-channel, full CAN bus transceiver

MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) Media-LB interface

I²C, I²S, and USB interfaces

If you're a QNX developer and want to test-drive Capricorn-H, you're in luck: QNX has posted a board support package (BSP) on Foundry27, the QNX community portal. To download the BSP, click here.

For more information on the Capricorn-H, read the press release.
 

Lots of cool QNX apps, all in one video

A couple of days ago, Paul Brent from CTV Ottawa, a local television station, dropped by for a chat with some QNX VPs. He also filmed several QNX-based devices in action, including a casino gaming machine, an Audi A8 infotainment system, the QNX concept car, the QNX medical reference design, and, last but not least, the BlackBerry Playbook.

You can check them all out in a video CTV posted last night. To view it, click here, then click on the video player in the middle of the CTV web page. You will have to watch a short commercial before the video starts (sorry about that).
 

Videos: QNX automotive demo at embedded world and CES

Last week, the ARM video crew visited the QNX booth at embedded world to shoot this video of the QNX automotive demo. Highlights include a digital instrument cluster that can morph itself on the fly and a proof-of-concept demonstration of PlayBook connectivity. Check it out:



Here's another video of the demo, taken at CES in January. Among other things, this video shows integration with BlackBerrys, iPods, and, of course, the PlayBook:



To build the demo, QNX engineers used the QNX CAR Application Platform.
 

Video: The dynamic dashboard

So, how's your German? A bit rusty? Well, don't worry. Even if you can't sprechen sie deutsch, you can still appreciate this video from Manne Kreuzer of Markt&Technik magazine. The video features QNX's Bernhard Kockoth providing a guided tour of the QNX automotive demo at embedded world 2011.

Highlights include a dynamically reconfigurable digital instrument cluster and connectivity to the BlackBerry PlayBook. The demo was built with the QNX CAR Application Platform.

I can't seem to embed the video, but you can view it by clicking here.
 

WIRED: Gadget-filled Corvette connects with QNX

Back in October I introduced you to a very cool Corvette pimped out with a digital instrument cluster and a multimedia head unit, both based on the QNX CAR Application Platform.

Last week, Dylan Tweney of WIRED got to take the Corvette for a test drive, and here's what he found. Check out, among other things, how the digital cluster can dynamically reconfigure itself, and how the head unit can communicate with a BlackBerry Playbook:



 

Engadget gears up with QNX CAR at CES

Last week at CES, Tim Stevens of Engadget dropped by the QNX booth for a chat and for a tour of the QNX CAR Application Platform.

Tim brought along his camera and shot a video showing how the platform allows cars to integrate with smartphones, tablets, and other devices. The video also provides a glimpse of how the platform helps in-car systems, such as center consoles and instrument clusters, to share information with each other.

To view Tim's video (and blog post), click here.

Tim also posted some images of the QNX CAR demo, which you can view here.
 

CES video: Intomobile visits QNX booth for virtual test drive

A couple of days ago, Marin Perez from Intomobile dropped by the QNX booth at CES, where he met up with QNX's Andy Gryc. Andy then took Marin on a tour of the in-booth demo, which showcases many features of the QNX CAR Application Platform.

As you'll see in Marin's video, the demo system includes a web-enabled digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity to a variety of smartphones, and support for Pandora Internet radio and BlackBerry Traffic.

As a proof of concept, the system also shows how a mobile device like the PlayBook can communicate with the center console, allowing you to control air conditioning and other in-car systems.

Here is Marin's video; you can also read his article here.



 

QNX rules at CES

QNX technology showcased in systems from Audi, BMW, iControl, Freescale, ng Connect, Nvidia, RIM, Telenav, Texas Instruments, Toyota, and Visteon

March up to the South Hall of the 2011 CES conference, and this is what you see:


Photo: Andy Gryc

Yup, that's right, it's a ginormous banner of the QNX-powered BlackBerry Playbook. The banner sets the tone for a conference where it's hard to stop bumping into QNX-based systems. They're just about everywhere, including:

RIM and QNX booths (south hall, 30320): BlackBerry Playbook, BMW Z4 infotainment system, and Visteon instrument clusters for Jaguar XJ and Range Rover — all powered by QNX technology

Audi booth (north hall, 2832): Audi A8 with QNX-based 3G MMI infotainment system, featuring Google Earth

Toyota booth (south hall, MP25555): New QNX-based Toyota Entune multimedia system

Alcatel-Lucent booth (south hall, 35469): LTE Connected Car with four QNX-based infotainment systems

iControl Networks (Aria Hotel and Casino): iControl broadband home management system with QNX-powered touch screen

TeleNav (Renaissance Hotel, Five Spot room): TeleNav 3D navigation system integrated with the QNX CAR Application Platform

Freescale (Palazzo #100-106): QNX demo on new Freescale i.MX53 SABRE automotive reference design

Nvidia booth (31431): QNX demo on Nvidia system

Texas Instruments (Hilton and booth 36505) — QNX demos on BeagleBoard-xM and OMAP 3730 systems

Mind you, this isn't a complete list. I'm still tracking down other booths that might feature QNX technology. If you know of any, let me know, and I'll add them to the list.

For details on some of these demos, check out the CES overview page and the CES press release on the QNX website.
 

QNX drives digital instrument cluster for Jaguar XJ

You know what I like best about digital instrument clusters? Their dynamic reconfigurability. Shift into drive, for example, and the cluster displays a tachometer. Shift into reverse, and the cluster replaces the tachometer with video output from a backup camera. I mean, how cool is that?

This isn't just science fiction. Some production cars already provide this type of functionality, including the Jaguar XJ and Land Rover Range Rover. Here, for example, are some photos from a Jaguar XJ, which made an appearance at the recent QNX Automotive Summit in Stuttgart. The cluster, as you may have already guessed, runs on the QNX Neutrino RTOS:











Recently, QNX Software Systems equipped a Corvette with a digital cluster to show off some of its latest software technologies. To see photos of the cluster in action, click here.

POSTSCRIPT: Originally, this post referred to the vehicle in question as a Jaguar XJ5. Fortunately, an astute (and Jaguar-savvy) reader pointed out that the last XJ5 probably shipped in the early 1980s. Consequently, I've edited the text to reflect the correct name: XJ.
 

MTA chooses QNX for next-gen digital instrument clusters

This just in: MTA, a tier one auto supplier to customers such as Ferrari, Fiat, GM, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Saab, Tata, and Volkswagen, has chosen the QNX Neutrino RTOS as the software platform for its next-generation in-car infotainment systems, including digital instrument clusters.

According to a press release issued this morning, the first production models are scheduled for deployment in early 2011.

MTA is also a sponsor for the QNX automotive summit, which is taking place this week in Stuttgart.
 

QNX at SAE Convergence: The media's take

If you follow this blog, you'll know that QNX Software Systems recently unveiled its latest connected car, a digitally pimped-out Corvette. The car, which made its debut at SAE Convergence, comes with a dynamically reconfigurable instrument cluster and a multimedia head unit that integrates with smartphones and other mobile devices.

The car stoked the interest of a number of journalists who attended the SAE Convergence event. Here's what some of them had to say:

CNET cartech blog — QNX upgrades infotainment using iPod Out, Terminal Mode

SAE Automotive Engineering — QNX solves timing mismatch for auto infotainment

Edmunds.com — Hands-On with Terminal Mode at SAE Convergence 2010

Automotive DesignLine — QNX highlights automotive connectivity options at SAE Convergence

EE Times — Electronically 'stoking' a Corvette

AmericanJR.com (video) — Hands-on Interview with Andrew Poliak

WWJ-AM — Convergence Talks Future Of High-Tech Autos

Automobilwoche — QNX zeigt Vision vom voll vernetzten Fahrzeug

WardsAuto.com — QNX Technology Steps Up Vehicle Connectivity

 

I'm on the ARM home page!

It's not every day that the world's largest processor IP company (15 billion chips and counting) publishes a blog post authored by yours truly. In fact, this is the very first time.

The blog post in question provides a quick tour of the QNX concept car that will be showcased in the upcoming ARM Techcon conference in San Clara. The ARM connection? The car contains two systems, a digital instrument cluster and multimedia head unit, based on ARM-powered Freescale i.MX51 processors.

To read the post, click here. BTW, here is where I appear on the ARM home page: