Blackberry to push software updates to vehicles

Handset maker Blackberry has unveiled a solution for car manufacturers that lets them manage and deliver over-the-air (OTA) software updates to vehicles.

The Software Update Management for Automotive service allows M2M communication between car makers and vehicles, allowing them to provide software updates to vehicles in the field easily.

The service provides secure global distribution and is highly scalable to support millions of vehicles, according to Blackberry. It enables car manufacturers to deliver software updates, new applications, and the ability to get the status of functional systems in a vehicle to customers, the firm added.

“BlackBerry is helping facilitate a rapid convergence between mobile computing and the auto industry as automakers seek to connect with customers wherever they may be,” said David J. Smith, executive VP, enterprise mobile computing at BlackBerry.

“BlackBerry’s Software Update Management for Automotive service can transform the vehicle experience by enabling automakers to deliver new, compelling capabilities to their customers, long after the initial sale.”

The device maker noted a study by research firm Gartner conducted last year, which revealed that 40 per cent of all US vehicle owners either ‘definitely want to get’ or at least are ‘likely to get’ the ability for wireless software updates in their next new vehicle. “This makes it the third most demanded automotive-centric web application and function,” said Thilo Koslowski, VP and distinguished analyst at Gartner.