BlackBerry unveils internet-of-things platform

Canadian manufacturer BlackBerry has announced an internet-of-things platform based on its QNX software. With the platform, the company focuses first on the car market. BlackBerry is also bringing its BBM service to wearables.

BlackBerry says it will combine its QNX software with its network infrastructure for the internet-of-things platform. The company claims to handle 35 petabytes of mobile data traffic each month through its network. The IoT platform will consist of different modules.

For example, there will be a management module for over-the-air updates, app enablement and log collection. With the platform, BlackBerry will initially focus on the shipping industry and the market for connected cars, followed later by expansion to the sector for ‘smart energy’ and healthcare. QNX already has a large market share in automotive systems.

At the same time, BlackBerry announced that it is expanding its BBM chat service to wearables running Android Wear. Owners of a smartwatch with Android Wear receive notifications via BBM, can read messages and swipe away notifications. The service also works in combination with Google Now.