My Dream: QNX/PlayBook Car Integration
April 27, 2011 
1 Comment
Last year, when I heard about RIM buying QNX systems and how QNX has it’s hands in a lot of in-car infotainment systems, I was imaging some deeper integration between my BlackBerry and my car. The more I heard about the PlayBook, and how it would be powered by QNX, the picture above is the first thing that popped in my head. Before you get too excited, I have not integrated my PlayBook into the dashboard of my Honda Accord, but just think of the possibilities! The same software that runs my tablet (and my phone next year) runs my car! OK, I’m sure that there are some differences between the two software platforms, but it’s a lot closer than other tablets. According to the QNX website, their software powers cars from BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Saab, Ssangyong, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These vehicles include models sold under numerous brands, including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Jeep, Lancia, Mini, Mercedes, Opel, Pontiac, and Saturn.
This video comes from Wired.com, where they have a Corvette whose dashboard is powered by QNX and integrates with your PlayBook. From all you can see in this video, it seems to handle mostly mirroring the dashboard controls on the PlayBook, but there is a lot more that it can do. RIM has mentioned the possibility of USB host support for the PlayBook that will allow devices and peripherals to interact with the tablet via the USB port. This could allow you to plug your PlayBook into your car and instantly be able to control the radio, climate controls, and other car functions while also letting you play your music and videos through your stereo system (video could be streamed to videoscreens in the back seat because you shouldn’t be watching videos while you’re driving). This doesn’t even include the ability to use the PlayBook for mapping applications. I imagine that a lot of this would not be welcomed by car manufacturers who pay $1000 for an in-dash navigation system, but I can still dream.
While I’m talking about integrating your PlayBook and your car, this seems like a good time to mention the BatBerry Project. Tim Neil is a Development Manager at RIM and is building a driveable Batmobile that will be powered by the PlayBook running software developed with the WebWorks SDK. This looks really cool, even if I may never have my own BlackBerry Batmobile.
What do you guys think? Do you think we’ll see the PlayBook integrate with QNX cars soon?
P.S. – The video playing on my PlayBook in this picture is Tekzilla and is a great podcast for computer nerds. You can watch it at http://revision3.com/tekzilla.
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[...] In general, I find stuff like this to be really cool, and I hope it takes off. Imagine how this technology will progress once the 3G/4G PlayBooks come out and officers can use these outside of the car. The PlayBook could notify dispatch as soon as the car’s lights and sirens are activated. The possibilities here really are endless, and way more helpful than watching Tekzilla on my dashboard. [...]