QNX set to show off three connected cars at CES

From the latest advancements in car infotainment, acoustics technology, navigation engines, and natural speech recognition, this year at 2014 CES QNX Software Systems is showcasing a unique and seamless way to interact with a vehicle, where consumers can interact with the car in a natural way – in much the same way they speak with friends and family.

At 2104 CES, QNX Software Systems will demonstrate not just one car, but three vehicles with new features and capabilities. This includes two new technology concept cars and the QNX reference vehicle:

New technology concept car based on a modified Mercedes CLA45:  The new technology concept car will showcase the next 3-5 years of automotive innovation. Powered by the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment, the vehicle will feature:

• Fullband stereo duplex vehicle-to-vehicle calling with the QNX technology concept car for Acoustics
• Natural speech recognition technology from Nuance
• Multiple navigation engines from Elektrobit, Kotei Navi & Data, Aisin AW, and Nokia HERE
• Rear-seat interaction featuring native apps for tablets and phones that allow passengers to interact with the car
• Support for Android Jellybean apps, including iHeartRadio
• A HTML5 keyfob app that control windows, door locks, and even the car media player that is powered by new Big Data start-up, DotLinker
• A reconfigurable digital instrument cluster
• Bluetooth pairing
• A media player that includes a cloud-based music service as well as support for other media

QNX technology concept car for Acoustics based on a modified Kia Soul: For the first time at CES, QNX Software Systems will have a vehicle specifically focused on QNX Acoustics technology. This technology concept car will demonstrate:

• Advanced hands-free capabilities, including narrowband, wideband, and fullband stereo calling to the technology concept car based on a modified Mercedes CLA45
• The recently announced QNX Acoustics for Active Noise Control, a high-performance software solution for dramatically reducing unwanted engine noise inside passenger vehicles
• Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) technology designed to playback synthesized engine sound over the vehicle speakers and synchronized with the engine’s rev.  More and more vehicles today use engine management techniques to reduce fuel consumption (eg. variable cylinder management, low engine torque). These technologies are changing the way engines sound, and OEMs have a desire to maintain their ‘signature engine sounds’ and cater to vehicle enthusiasts. 

QNX reference vehicle: The QNX reference vehicle based on a modified Jeep Wrangler Sahara is making its second appearance at CES. It will showcase the capabilities of the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment, and for the first time, Qualcomm processors. The QNX reference vehicle will also feature an IBM cloud services demo, including IBM’s MessageSight, InfoSphere Streams, and Worklight products for performing remote, real-time control and analytics of car sensor data.

Additional booth demos: QNX Software Systems will also feature a partner area showcasing two Japanese vendors: Aisin AW, a navigation engine provider, and HI Corporation, a provider of digital instrument cluster technology. There will also be a demonstration from QNX customer Rockwell Collins, showcasing in-flight entertainment powered by the QNX CAR Platform.