Skip to content

Future Standards: QNX Operating System Adopted by BlackBerry

Research In Motion gained access to the QNX Operating System in August, following their acquisition of QNX Software Systems. This operating system will serve as the default in all future products from the Canadian company.

QNX Operating System set to become the standard for BlackBerry's future software platform
QNX Operating System set to become the standard for BlackBerry's future software platform

Future Standards: QNX Operating System Adopted by BlackBerry

In a significant move, Research In Motion (RIM) has decided to employ the QNX Operating System in all its future products, including BlackBerry-branded tablets and smartphones. This shift was confirmed after the acquisition of QNX Software Systems by RIM in August, valued at $200 million.

QNX Software Systems, known for their expertise in developing software for real-time applications, has a wide range of experience in various industries. Their software can be found in in-car infotainment systems, in-flight systems, nuclear establishment monitoring, critical healthcare systems, and even AI and self-driven automobiles.

The QNX Operating System, which will replace the BlackBerry OS in all BlackBerry smartphones, is user-friendly and offers compatibility with 3D gaming and support for OpenGL. It also supports accelerated 3D graphics, HD video, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Flash, and HTML5, as well as touchscreen operations.

The switch to the QNX Operating System is expected to start after the BlackBerry OS 6 has been rolled out and retired. BlackBerry OS 7, on the other hand, is being seen as a stepping stone for incorporating the QNX Operating System into BlackBerry branded devices.

One of the biggest advantages of the QNX Operating System is its scalability. It is designed with a set of microkernel, allowing hardware manufacturers to adopt versions that meet their specific requirements. This scalability is considered a significant advantage, ensuring the operating system can adapt to the evolving needs of RIM's devices.

The BlackBerry Q series, historically known for using QNX as its OS core, is likely to be dominated again by the QNX operating system in the future. However, current moves focus more on QNX primarily in automotive and embedded systems rather than traditional smartphones.

It's important to note that the acquisition of QNX Software by RIM has not yet been officially confirmed or denied regarding any further development. RIM has not released any official statement regarding the future of the BlackBerry OS beyond the transition to the QNX Operating System.

In conclusion, the shift to the QNX Operating System marks a new era for RIM and their BlackBerry devices. With its user-friendly interface, compatibility with 3D gaming, and scalability, the QNX Operating System is well-positioned to power RIM's future devices, promising a more robust and versatile user experience.

Read also:

Latest