Blackberry is moving into new territory after showcasing new software specifically designed for use with self-driving cars at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company has given many statements on its position regarding autonomous driving.
Blackberry is Committed to Improve Autonomous Driving
Analysts are predicting that self-driving cars will be on the roads in the next five years. Blackberry looks to be making early preparations for this. The company has said that the demand for mobile security and security services will only get higher. Wireless networks are going beyond phones and computers. With such a large consumer and industrial population owning these devices, security is a priority.
Hardware proved to be a bad market for Blackberry. However, it is still well respected in regards to security and high margin mobile-management software. The company’s goal is to generate $500 million in revenue from software and services in the current fiscal year, which ends February 29.
The Company Will Release Autonomous Driving Technology in the Second Quarter of 2016
Even though the self-driving and self-driving technology market is still very young, Blackberry is already gearing up. The profit won’t bring a significant difference to the company’s total revenue yet, but it will eventually. California even recently revealed preliminary regulations in regards to the operation of autonomous cars. With the Google self-driving car cruising Californian roads, this is the next logical governmental step before the cars are available to the general public.
Partnerships With Carmakers like Mercedes-Benz and Kia
Blackberry will likely partner up with carmakers like Kia or Mercedes-Benz, who are already manufacturing autonomous cars. A partnership with Google is a little less likely given their competition, but it could also happen. In any case, Blackberry would greatly benefit from partnerships from Kia, Google and Mercedes-Benz. This is on top of the countless other companies developing technology for self-driving cars.
The most relevant issue in terms of self-driving car software is awareness of space. These cars depend on a complicated system of sensors that prevent them from hitting other cars or pedestrians. It also enables them to acknowledge traffic lights and gives them a general assessment of conditions on the road.
The Canadian Company Unveiled Car-to-Car Communication Technology
The Canada-based company unleashed new technology that allows for autonomous cars to communicate with each other to improve traffic flow and prevent accidents. Blackberry detailed the technology in a press release. It adds that Blackberry is also launching software that combines camera and radar data to enhance autonomous car braking and steering.
The new software relies on Blackberry’s QNX operating system. This OS is commonly known for handling in-car infotainment systems. More than 40 car makers currently use this OS. It’s installed customer base will hopefully bring Blackberry new business for autonomous cars.
