Smart cars to rescue RIM?

As Research In Motion (RIM) struggles to keep up with its smartphone rivals, the BlackBerry maker is reportedly setting its sights on bringing smartphone technology into the car.

RIM acquired QNX Software Systems last year in a $200 million deal, and QNX has subsequently designed the operating system behind the BlackBerry Playbook and the upcoming BlackBerry smartphones.

QNX, however, is also a provider of car electronics, and by combining its new mobile technology with its history of automotive technology development, QNX and RIM aim to bring the smartphone and tablet interface into the car for in-vehicle audio and infotainment systems.

QNX is responsible for the software behind some nuclear power plants, government networks and space shuttles. The software maker also has longstanding relationships with General Motors, Toyota and BMW.

Its latest developments allow the PlayBook and BlackBerry smartphones to be seamlessly integrated with an in-car system, which can be controlled by touch and voice.

QNX essentially allows users to play music stored on mobile devices, read e-mail, launch apps and even connect to the Web via BlackBerry or PlayBook.

Despite its relationship with RIM, QNX is also reportedly the largest integrator of Apple connectivity in vehicles, and the system works with a number of other devices.

Analysts say it is uncertain how much revenue RIM stands to gain from the automobile industry and whether it would be enough of an advantage to offset its drop in smartphone market shares.

Reports say the market for wired cars is still relatively small, but is expected to grow as car makers, telecommunications firms, mobile manufacturers and application firms all collectively look for new forms of revenue.

At the recent BlackBerry World event, Jaguar and RIM demonstrated a BlackBerry touch-screen integrated into the in-dash system. USB and Bluetooth connections allow for a BlackBerry smartphone to be connected and accessed via the in-car system.

According to reports, developers have “taken care” to block applications that are deemed too distracting - such as text messaging.

Jaguar is reportedly looking to include the system in a number of its future models.