RIM to Acquire QNX to Help BlackBerry Phones Connect to Cars
Sunday, April 11th, 2010BlackBerry users, rejoice! The time when you, too, can plug your phone into your car may be coming.
Automotive News reported over the weekend that Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM), the company that makes BlackBerry phones has agreed to the aquisition of QNX Software Systems from Harman International Industries, Inc. Why are they doing this? It’s to gain access to technology for wireless connections in cars.
The tech that RIM will gain will specifically aid Acura, Audi, and BMW cars with connections to cell phones, navigation systems, and music players. RIM is expanding into new markets, in an attempt to offset slowing sales growth and decreasing prices, as well as the heavy competition from Apple, Inc.’s iPhone and Google’s DROID systems.
RIM has not disclosed the terms of the deal, but the Waterloo, Ontario, Canada-based company expects the deal to close in mid-to-late May. QNX’s current owner, Harman, bought the software company in 2004 for $138 million in cash, and also assumed some debt.