Telematics Detroit 2014 – A “Connected” Man and Machine Event

Auto Shiva Subramanian

Telematics Detroit is a conference which took place in The Suburban Showplace, Novi, MI, USA on June 4th and 5th, 2014. The event speaks about the latest technologies in the automotive  industry where innovators and leaders from different companies like GM, BMW and more, talk about the innovation. Not only them, but also consumers (like us), can pitch a disruptive idea.

The various crucial things discussed in this version of the conference include the following:

  • Internet Of Things (IoT) meeting the road
  • Future of Advanced Safety
  • Real Time Relationship Management
  • Turning Bytes into $ Bills
  • Tech Giants who want a piece of the action

The new things in this version include:

  • Brand New Super Panel
  • Mega-trends in the Car regarding Connectivity
  • Feedback from Consumers- Live!
  • Disruptive Innovation track
  • A new Conference App
  • OEM Presentations

To know more, visit telematics website

Some of you might have heard of this company called QNX. Well if you haven’t, its parent company is BlackBerry (yes! the Smartphone manufacturer). I’ll get to the explanation right after the short video. Keep watching.

Now, what did the video tell you? The direction in which we are heading in? The company is working on building an easy to use and clutter-free infotainment system which will not only feature in the Mercs and the BMWs but it would also feature in your low-end cars. The company has introduced many versions of its QNX system and the latest is the Neutrino. It is a Real Time Operating system (RTOS). They have to act quick and are not expected to lag. The infotainment system that you saw in the video was 21 inches by 7 inches long and was featured in the Merc CLA 45. And that is not your usual Mercedes.

Telematics car

This company was first Quantum Software Services and then later went on to be QNX Software Services. It was later acquired by BlackBerry. The company works in the following fields:

  • Medical Care
  • Infotainment systems (already discussed above)
  • Robotic Control
  • Autonomous driving/Driving Assistance
  • Security and Defense
  • Networking and Telecom

The Company headed by BlackBerry is doing a good job and it showcased its products in the Telematics Conference where it received wide applause. People were more likely seeing only the exterior of the Mercedes and were very much awed. Seeing on the interior would give them a heart attack.  Now if you think that is cool, you are not in the least bit in this world. You could get your hands on this baby but it would cost you a few thousand bucks. This is still an early prototype and it might be years before we see the final product coming in to use. Now, if you want to help in the development of this software, then you could go to the following website and download the product.

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