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New HTML5 SDK from QNX Bridges the Gap Between App Developers and Automakers

Mobile developers can now create automotive apps based on standard web technologies like CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript

DETROIT, SAE Convergence 2012 (booth 815), October 16, 2012 — Mobile app developers see car infotainment as a potentially lucrative new market, and automakers want to leverage the talents of the mobile community — but until now, the two sides have had little way of working together. Today, QNX Software Systems Limited announced a new solution designed to tear down these barriers and to enable new partnerships between the mobile and automotive worlds: the HTML5 SDK for the QNX CAR™ 2 application platform.

The new HTML5 SDK is an extension of the open source BlackBerry® WebWorks™ framework, specially optimized for automotive environments. It allows developers to write, test, and package feature-rich automotive apps based on HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and other open standards. Just as important, it provides the missing glue between high-level apps and the car, through specialized APIs that provide access to automotive devices and hardware. These APIs include JavaScript classes that can access the HVAC, GPS, multimedia, and other services offered by the QNX CAR 2 application platform.

To accelerate development, the HTML5 SDK provides an emulator that lets developers quickly see how their apps would look and function in a car. Developers can use the emulator to perform JavaScript debugging, HTML DOM inspection, automated testing, and screen-resolution emulation, all from the convenience of a web browser. Simply put, mobile app developers can test their programs without access to an actual car or infotainment system. Better yet, they can make changes to their apps and view the results without having to recompile. They simply have to edit their source code and press refresh in the browser. The simulator is based on the open source BlackBerry® Ripple emulator, used by thousands of mobile developers.

QNX Software Systems also plans to create a virtual marketplace that will allow developers to make their QNX CAR 2 applications available to automakers. The marketplace will provide common ground for app developers and automakers to work together, and will allow automakers to preview the applications that best fit their brands and satisfy their customers. The marketplace is expected to go live when the HTML5 SDK is released.

“HTML5 has become a lingua franca, allowing app developers to target all the major mobile platforms. But until now, automakers have been unable to tap into this rich vein of apps, content, and developer talent. The HTML5 SDK for the QNX CAR 2 application platform changes all that,” said Andy Gryc, automotive product marketing manager, QNX Software Systems. “Now, mobile developers and automakers can begin engaging with one another in a meaningful way, through a common platform and through the same open standards that have done so much to accelerate the rapid development and rich user experiences of mobile platforms.”

QNX Software Systems has licensed its software technology for use in millions of in-vehicle systems worldwide, including digital instrument clusters, hands-free systems, multimedia head units, connectivity modules, and 3D navigation systems. The QNX CAR 2 application platform is a pre-integrated software stack designed to reduce the time and effort of creating highly sophisticated and personalizeable in-car infotainment systems.

For more information on QNX Software Systems’ activities at SAE Convergence, visit qnx.com/convergence.

Availability

The QNX CAR 2 application platform is currently being evaluated by select automakers and tier one automotive suppliers for use in next-generation infotainment systems. QNX Software Systems plans to release the platform in December 2012, and plans to make the HTML5 SDK and virtual marketplace available to qualified developers in Q1 2013.

About QNX Software Systems

QNX Software Systems Limited, a subsidiary of Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM; TSX:RIM), is a leading vendor of operating systems, development tools, and professional services for connected embedded systems. Global leaders such as Audi, Cisco, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Siemens depend on QNX technology for vehicle infotainment units, network routers, medical devices, industrial automation systems, security and defense systems, and other mission- or life-critical applications. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems Limited is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada; its products are distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com, and facebook.com/QNXSoftwareSystems, and follow @QNX_News, on Twitter. For more information on the company's automotive work, visit qnxauto.blogspot.com and follow @QNX_Auto.

Reader Information Editorial Contacts
Web: www.qnx.com
Email: info@qnx.com
Devan Gillick
Breakaway Communications
+1 415-358-2487
dgillick@breakawaycom.com


Paul Leroux
QNX Software Systems Co.
+1 613-591-0931
paull@qnx.com


©2012 QNX Software Systems Limited. QNX, QNX CAR, Momentics, Neutrino, Aviage are trademarks of QNX Software Systems Limited, which are registered trademarks and/or used in certain jurisdictions. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

QNX Software Systems Limited (QSS) is a subsidiary of Research In Motion Limited (RIM). Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by QSS in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that QSS believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause QSS's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on QSS’s forward-looking statements. RIM and QSS have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. QSS assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement, or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third-party products or services.