Mr. Grant Courville reports

QNX AND HALEYTEK JOIN FORCES TO DELIVER SOFTWARE-DEFINED AUDIO FOR VOLVO CARS' EX60 EV SUV

QNX, a division of BlackBerry Ltd., has expanded collaboration with Haleytek to enable a fully centralized software-defined audio (SDA) architecture for Volvo Cars' upcoming EX60 fully electric SUV. Setting a new standard for audio innovation in software-defined vehicles, the milestone supports Volvo Cars' progress in its Superset tech stack strategy, which seeks to unify hardware and software into a scalable, future-ready platform.

The EX60 will debut with Volvo Cars' new SPA3 infotainment platform, featuring branded sound system options from multiple prominent audio providers. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on dedicated digital signal processors (DSPs) within amplifiers, SDA centralizes audio processing on a powerful system-on-chip (SoC), providing automakers with greater flexibility, faster deployment of new features and a foundation for continuous software innovation.

"Our Superset tech stack strategy is about building a foundation that is optimized for continuous improvement," said Martin Kristensson, head of software defined vehicle at Volvo Cars. "Through collaboration with QNX and Haleytek, we've delivered a centralized audio architecture in the EX60 that enables flexibility and long-term innovation. This approach ensures we can evolve capabilities over time, providing customers with a premium experience that keeps getting better long after they drive off the lot."

The EX60 will be the world's first vehicle to implement a fully centralized SDA architecture using QNX Sound. This breakthrough was achieved through close collaboration between QNX and Haleytek, Volvo Cars' software subsidiary, leveraging QNX Sound and the OASIS VirtIO Sound open standard, reinforcing Volvo Cars' commitment to migrating more in-vehicle capabilities to software.

QNX Sound is a digital audio platform for software-defined vehicles that decouples audio and acoustics software from hardware, unifying all vehicle audio functionalities, including voice treatment, media playback, alerts and noise control into one system, helping to streamline development, reduce hardware needs and speed time-to-market for automakers.

"We are proud to collaborate with Volvo Cars and Haleytek on advancing software-defined audio in the EX60," said Grant Courville, senior vice-president, products and strategy, at QNX. "This implementation demonstrates how QNX Sound enables automakers to migrate more vehicle functions to software. By embracing a fully centralized software-defined audio architecture in the EX60, Volvo Cars is reinforcing its Superset tech stack vision -- creating a platform that supports continuous updates, scalability across models and a future-ready approach to in-vehicle experiences."

Munro & Associates, a leading engineering and manufacturing consulting firm, recently confirmed that migrating from a legacy hardware-based approach utilizing DSP-enabled smart amplifiers, to SDA on a centralized SoC can potentially save automakers $22 to $98 per vehicle, depending on system complexity and trim level.

"Delivering a centralized audio architecture in the EX60 reflects how software can unlock new possibilities," said Erik Gustafsson, lead architect at Haleytek. "This approach gives Volvo Cars flexibility for future enhancements and demonstrates a model that can scale across programs. It's a clear signal of where the industry is headed -- toward platforms that simplify complexity and enable continuous innovation and it's only a matter of time before other automakers follow in the wake of Volvo's leadership."

As SDV complexity grows, QNX remains committed to helping automakers navigate change, accelerate innovation and deliver safer, smarter vehicles. Its foundational software supports future-proof engineering design, from digital cockpits and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to infotainment systems and domain controllers, enabling automakers to bring innovation to market faster and at lower cost.

About BlackBerry Ltd.

BlackBerry provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ont., the company's high performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security and reliability. With a deep heritage in secure communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications and critical events management.

About QNX

QNX, a division of BlackBerry, enhances the human experience and amplifies technology-driven industries, providing a trusted foundation for software-defined businesses to thrive. The business leads the way in delivering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools, along with support and services delivered by trusted embedded software experts. QNX technology has been deployed in the world's most critical embedded systems, including more than 275 million vehicles on the road today. QNX software is trusted across industries including automotive, medical devices, industrial controls, robotics, commercial vehicles, rail, and aerospace and defence. Founded in 1980, QNX is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.