NOVI, MICHIGAN–(Marketwired – June 8, 2016) – TU-Automotive Detroit Conference – QNX Software Systems Limited, a subsidiary of BlackBerry Limited (TSX:BB)(NASDAQ:BBRY), today announced that its acoustics software for hands-free voice communications has shipped in over 50 million telematics and infotainment systems. Almost 20 leading automakers now use QNX acoustics software to enhance the user experience of their vehicles, in products such as Chrysler Uconnect®, Ford SYNC® 3, GM OnStar® and Honda BlueConnect®. On average, QNX® acoustics software is shipped in an automotive system every 2.5 seconds.

Engineered to address the challenges of noisy automotive environments, QNX acoustics technology runs on a rich choice of automotive hardware and software platforms. These include the QNX Neutrino® OS, which has been deployed in over 60 million vehicles worldwide.

Today’s drivers expect to hear – and to be heard – clearly when they call from their cars, and to have a distraction-free experience. Moreover, the smartphone is driving expectations for better call quality through support for Voice-over-IP calling and Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) technologies. To meet these expectations in the harsh acoustic environment of the car, automakers rely on QNX Acoustics for Voice, which provides patented algorithms for echo cancellation, noise reduction and other voice-enhancement technologies, and on the expert tuning, testing and software support provided by QNX Software Systems worldwide.

In addition to QNX Acoustics for Voice, QNX Software Systems offers:

• QNX In-Car Communication – A revolutionary technology that enhances the driver’s voice, allowing passengers in the back seats to hear the driver clearly, even when the vehicle is driving at highway speeds. Instead of shouting or turning around to be heard, the driver can speak normally, while keeping his or her eyes on the road.
• QNX technologies for improving in-vehicle sound quality – These include QNX Acoustics for Active Noise Control, which reduces the low-frequency engine “boom” noise caused by modern fuel-saving techniques, and QNX Acoustics for Engine Sound Enhancement, which enables automakers to create and maintain unique engine sounds that enhance the appeal of their vehicles.
• QNX Acoustics Management Platform (AMP) – A new, holistic approach to managing in-car acoustics that combines all of the above technologies into an integrated solution. QNX AMP allows automakers to manage the total sonic experience of their vehicles, while reducing system costs and complexity.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) encourages automakers to adhere to standards for in-vehicle call quality that QNX Software Systems helped develop.

“The quality of hands-free communications can make or break the driving experience, which is why so many automakers and tier one suppliers rely on QNX acoustics technology – it is engineered to enable the best possible UX, to eliminate the cost of dedicated hardware, and to simplify the tuning of complex acoustics systems,” said John Wall, Senior Vice President and Head of QNX Software Systems. “Being deployed in over 50 million systems by nearly 20 automakers is a testament to the value that our acoustics expertise brings to the industry, and to the trust customers place in our production-proven technology.”

QNX Software Systems offers a comprehensive suite of infotainment, telematics, safety, and acoustics software platforms deployed in more than 60 million vehicles. More than 40 automotive OEMs use QNX technology for their infotainment systems, digital instrument clusters, advanced driver information systems (ADAS), telematics units, and connectivity modules.

QNX Demos and Presentations at TU-Automotive Detroit

• Demos – Visit Booth C95 to experience QNX Software Systems’ latest innovations for acoustics, ADAS, automotive security, digital instrument clusters, infotainment, and V2X.
• Presentation – Thomas Bloor, automotive business development manager at QNX, will discuss the growing need for platforms that can eliminate software fragmentation in next-generation vehicles. June 8, 2:10 p.m.
• Panel – Yi Zheng, product manager for safety products at QNX, will participate in the panel “The Software-First Car of the Future.” June 8, 5:50 p.m.

About QNX Software Systems

QNX Software Systems Limited, a subsidiary of BlackBerry Limited, is a leading provider of operating systems, middleware, development tools, and professional services for connected embedded systems. Global leaders such as Audi, Siemens, General Electric, Cisco, and Lockheed Martin depend on QNX technology for their in-car electronics, medical devices, industrial automation systems, network routers, and other mission- or life-critical applications. Visit www.qnx.com and follow @QNX_News on Twitter. For updates on the company’s automotive work, follow @QNX_Auto and visit qnxauto.blogspot.com.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry is securing a connected world, delivering innovative solutions across the entire mobile ecosystem and beyond. We secure the world’s most sensitive data across all end points – from cars to smartphones – making the mobile-first enterprise vision a reality. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The Company trades under the ticker symbols “BB” on the Toronto Stock Exchange and “BBRY” on the NASDAQ. For more information, visit www.BlackBerry.com.

BlackBerry, QNX, QNX CAR, Momentics, Neutrino, and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of BlackBerry Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. QNX Software Systems Limited and/or BlackBerry are not responsible for any third-party products or services.

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