BlackBerry Ltd. has already sealed its software deal with Ford Motor Co. The Canadian company seems to be really over the end of its handsets. BlackBerry now stands to benefit from the deal. It can capitalize on the growing market of self-driving cars.
The Relevance Of The Deal For BlackBerry And Ford
According to Bloomberg, both BlackBerry and Ford have not disclosed the terms of the deal. However, BlackBerry went as far to say that it will work with Ford to develop automotive software. The tech company has admitted that this will help them venture into self-driving technology.
BlackBerry's QNX General Manager John Wall told Bloomberg that the deal allows BlackBerry to directly provide software products for Ford's cars. Ford has already used such software built by QNX for its Sync3 in-car infotainment system. Though Ford had purchased it through Panasonic Corp.
It's been known that Ford is keen on building autonomous cars. It is competing against Tesla Motors Inc. and Google. Ford and BlackBerry's partnership is a good fit. The automaker can start on BlackBerry's technology that enables an automatic brake when a car hits something in its path.
BlackBerry's Possible Redemption
BlackBerry had to end the production of its handsets. The tech company decided to change its market. Competing against former smartphone rivals Samsung, Apple and other brands proved to be hard.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the once dominant smartphone makers has increased its focus on software development since then.
Wall explained that the deal with Ford will allows BlackBerry to work with other auto manufacturers. It can definitely capitalize on the fact that QNX's infotainment system is being used by more than 40 auto companies. He also added that QNX's software is certified for use in autonomous driving and active safety systems.
The fate of Ford's upcoming autonomous cars may now be tied with that of BlackBerry.
