QNX Showcases High-Speed Infotainment System

The folks from QNX demonstrated the power of their software platform at 2014’s Telematics Update Detroit. The Canada-based computer company showed off a reference platform with super-fast booting capabilities.

They simulated a vehicle’s infotainment system with a handful of components including a display screen, some cables and an exposed circuit board. From a cold boot they could have a vehicle’s backup camera up and running in just two seconds.

Booting the entire systems took only slightly longer. That “[happens] very quickly by the way, under 10 seconds” said Dan Baergen, field application engineer for QNX Software Systems, Inc.

Of course those times listed above come with a bunch of caveats. Obviously other hardware configurations will perform differently; your mileage will vary.

Additionally the display QNX was showing had a super-set of available technologies, things like multiple navigation systems, something an automaker probably wouldn’t include in a vehicle. Why would you need five different mapping applications? Right, you don’t.

Obviously the infotainment space is a pretty crowded with companies like Microsoft, Google and Apple competing for OEM business. But this is a battle QNX appears to be winning. “We’re supplying the majority of infotainment systems in North America,” Baergen said. The firm’s technology is found in vehicles from Audi and BMW; it’s the backbone of Chrysler’s Uconnect system as well as GM’s OnStar, plus it’s in the Chevrolet Corvette.

SEE ALSO: Looking into the Future of Automotive Infotainment

Why have they been so successful? Well, part of the reason is probably quality. Baergen said, “We have a large, established heritage of reliability.” That’s important because drivers don’t need extra distractions when they’re piloting three tons of metal and plastic at 75 miles an hour. A reliable infotainment system is critical to safety.