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New QNX Platform to Transform the Automotive Experience with the Power of HTML5

Platform will enable automakers to create new user experiences, keep vehicles fresh with new features, and leverage the rapid evolution of mobile applications

LAS VEGAS, 2012 International CES, (South Hall, Booth 30326), January 9, 2012 — HTML5 represents the future of the connected car, and today, QNX Software Systems Limited will demonstrate how the latest generation of its automotive software will bring that future to reality.

Enter the QNX CAR™ 2 application platform, an innovative solution that will allow automotive developers to harness the rich user experience of HTML5 on a software foundation proven in millions of vehicles. Designed to enable rapid development of in-car infotainment systems, the QNX CAR 2 application platform introduces a new, auto-centric HTML5 framework and is the result of QNX Software Systems’ deep experience in creating software platforms for the world’s automakers.

Automakers are beginning to embrace HTML5, and for good reason: It will enable them to keep their vehicles fresh with new content and features, to address consumer demands for the latest mobile apps and services, and to leverage a huge developer community. Moreover, it can help automakers customize the user experience and simplify access to mobile apps.

The QNX CAR 2 application platform is designed from the ground up to leverage these benefits. Its auto-centric HTML5 framework allows developers to easily reskin entire user interfaces — essential to projecting a unique brand identity — cost-effectively for multiple model lines. It also allows them to blend HTML5 applications with those created with Qt, OpenGL ES, and other user interface technologies — all on the same display and even at the same time. This highly flexible architecture for building a unified user experience enables manufacturers to take a best-of-breed approach when designing their systems and to leverage existing software investments while tapping into the power of HTML5.

“At Audi, we see HTML5 as an essential ingredient for creating the next generation of user experiences in the vehicle,” said Mathias Halliger, Head of Architecture, MMI System, Audi AG. “As cars become the new mobile platform, it is increasingly important for automakers to keep pace with the growing array of mobile applications to ensure a rich, customized in-vehicle experience and to offer new features based on the latest technology, such as cloud-based software updates for the car. Support for HTML5 in software platforms such as QNX CAR 2 can help automakers achieve this connectivity, quickly and cost effectively.”

Audi uses QNX software technology in its MIB High infotainment system, which is shipping in cars today.

According to Thilo Koslowski, Automotive Practice Leader, Gartner, “Successful connected vehicle strategies will be based on the principle of ‘controlled openness’, which leverages existing standards and flexible architectures to create unique and differentiated customer experiences. HTML5 in particular allows automotive companies to embrace this principle and to create connected vehicle solutions that are upgradeable and can evolve with overall software and technology advancements.”

In addition to the new HTML framework, the QNX CAR 2 application platform pre-integrates an array of technologies, including the QNX® Neutrino® realtime operating system, a powerful multimedia framework, an award-winning acoustic processing library for handsfree systems, and hundreds of software services and utilities. The platform is backed by dozens of ecosystem partners, including companies such as including TeleCommunication Systems (TCS), Texas Instruments, and Vlingo.

With the QNX CAR 2 application platform, developers can build both browser-based and browser-less applications in HTML5. They can even use HTML5 to build applications that don’t require connectivity to the Internet. The platform includes an optimized WebKit-based HTML5 engine that supports audio and video, geo-location, WebSockets, offline applications, session storage, canvas, and other standards, such as CSS3 and JavaScript. Optimizations beyond WebKit include pixel-accurate zooming and high-performance panning (ideal for maps and navigation), physics-based scrolling, and other advanced features.

“The QNX CAR 2 application platform is much, much more than a solution for embedding intelligence in the car — it is a platform for achieving the next level of connectivity between the car and mobile devices, between the car and the cloud, and, ultimately, between the car and the consumer,” said Derek Kuhn, vice president of sales and marketing, QNX Software Systems. “With its auto-centric HTML5 framework, the platform can help automakers create more enjoyable and convenient user experiences, and to connect to the host of HTML5 applications already available on smartphones, tablets, and other platforms.”

Demos this week at CES and CTS

This week at CES, QNX Software Systems is unveiling its newest concept car, a cloud-connected Porsche Carrera, which showcases many of the capabilities of QNX CAR 2 application platform. Demo highlights include smartphone integration with one-touch Bluetooth® pairing, tablet-based rear-seat entertainment, a reconfigurable digital instrument cluster, and high-definition hands-free communications.

You can find the car in the South Hall at the BlackBerry® booth, 30326.

QNX Software Systems will also demonstrate the QNX CAR 2 application platform at the Consumer Telematics Show 2012.

Availability

The QNX CAR 2 application platform is now being evaluated by select automakers and automotive tier one suppliers. It is scheduled for general release in mid-2012.

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 systems, network routers, medical devices, industrial controllers, security and defense systems, and other mission-critical applications. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems Limited is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada; its products are distributed in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com.

About Audi

Audi of America, Inc. and its 271 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Between 2010 and 2012, the Audi Group plans to invest about 5.5 billion euros, mainly in new products, to sustain the Company’s technological lead. By 2015, Audi plans to increase the number of models in its portfolio to 42. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

Reader Information Editorial Contacts
Web: www.qnx.com
Email: info@qnx.com
Devan Gillick
Breakaway Communications
+1 530-591-3194
dgillick@breakawaycom.com


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


©2012 QNX Software Systems Limited. QNX, Momentics, QNX CAR, Neutrino, Aviage, Photon and Photon microGUI are trademarks of QNX Software Systems Limited, which are registered trademarks and/or used in certain jurisdictions. The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. 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.