BlackBerry, based in Waterloo, Ontario, is a software solutions company that leverages AI and machine learning in connected, embedded systems. Its new QNX Sound software offers a platform for innovation in audio-based entertainment, comfort, communications and safety features for automakers.
QNX Sound enables designers of automotive audio systems to consolidate all audio and acoustic functions seamlessly and cost-effectively within the main software stack of the software-defined vehicle architecture, using pre-integrated and pre-tested core technologies. This includes a complete out-of-the-box library of automotive acoustics functional modules for telephony, safety alerting, noise reduction, sound enhancement, media playback, etc.
The BlackBerry software foundation not only provides more control over quality and functionality of these services, but it also includes advanced tuning tools with a graphical programming interface that unlocks endless signal processing creativity. This offers an entirely software-driven foundation for automakers to explore new audio-based services and collaborations with technology companies and multimedia content providers to bring new, value-add features into the vehicle, opening new opportunities to create new revenue streams from the activation of optional features – or to upgrades from base audio to a branded premium level – as on-demand or subscription services.
"In the software-defined vehicle age, audio becomes a new playing field for innovation and differentiation," says John Wall, Senior Vice President, and Head of QNX at BlackBerry. "QNX Sound is the ultimate digital audio platform for the automotive industry and the most comprehensive foundation available for innovation. Through it, we enable automakers to explore new business opportunities and exciting collaborations that will truly appeal to and excite the end user."
According to BlackBerry, QNX Sound is the only software-defined audio and acoustics solution for the automotive industry that has been fully tested in production and pre-integrated in next generation SoCs. The platform is pre-integrated with BlackBerry QNX Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and QNX Hypervisor and includes an audio extension mechanism that allows 3rd party signal processing suppliers to compile and deploy their own c-code algorithms. Furthermore, it is pre-tested with leading measurement and simulation equipment suppliers and industry open standards, like VirtIO to support sound design, tuning and signal flow design capabilities for exciting new features both in the cloud and, eventually, on hardware targets.
Dirac Integration
With the announcement of the new platform, Swedish digital audio pioneer Dirac also confirmed it has expanded its collaboration to integrate its Dirac Opteo and Dirac Virtuo software optimization solutions into the new BlackBerry QNX Sound platform. This marks an expansion of the companies' existing collaboration, which began at CES 2023 with the integration of Dirac Opteo into the QNX Acoustics Management Platform.
According to Hendrik Hermann, Vice President Automotive at Dirac, the collaboration also demonstrates Dirac and BlackBerry QNX's shared belief that audio experiences will be a key differentiator in the age of software-defined vehicles that can offer subscription-based upgrades through over-the-air software updates.
"Through our integration into QNX Sound, Dirac’s turnkey solutions allow manufacturers to seamlessly and cost-effectively upgrade any vehicle’s sound system with unparalleled immersion and performance," Hermann says. "This presents automakers with an opportunity to bring a new, value-add feature into their vehicles, while opening up new revenue streams through subscriptions services and other on-demand upgrades."
"At Dirac, our passion is to unlock the untapped potential in every audio system, particularly in cars, where great sound is a vital part of the experience. Working hand in hand with the team at BlackBerry QNX, we've integrated a fully scalable Dirac plug-in featuring all our technologies that seamlessly integrate with the QNX Sound platform. This collaboration empowers OEMs with easy access to our solutions, maximizing fidelity and immersion, and offers the flexibility to continually enhance and refresh the in-car audio experience for listeners," adds Hendrik Hermann.
Working alongside BlackBerry QNX, Dirac has integrated a fully scalable Dirac plug-in, featuring all of Dirac’s industry-leading audio optimization technologies, into the QNX Sound platform. The Dirac plug-in will feature the Dirac Opteo digital sound optimization solution, which upgrades the sound performance of automotive audio systems using technologies such as MIMO mixed phase correction, mixed-phase impulse response correction and other patented technologies.
It will also feature Dirac Virtuo, which leverages the industry’s most sophisticated audio algorithm to envelop drivers and passengers in high-quality immersive sound. Dirac’s automotive audio solutions are currently used by leading automotive brands Rolls Royce, Volvo, Polestar, Genesis, NIO and BYD, among many others.
www.dirac.com
www.blackberry.com
