The struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry is set to be thrown another lifeline, with a reported tie-up with Ford.
The car manufacturer is set to announce that the next generation of its in-car Sync information and entertainment system will be based on BlackBerry’s QNX system, replacing the existing Microsoft Windows system, according to Bloomberg.
Ford has decided to switch from its current Windows-based system in light of persistent problems reported by users, and a cheaper licensing deal with QNX.
A person with knowledge of the situation told The National that Ford would make a significant announcement related to its Sync system at this week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, declining to give further details.
Spokesmen for Ford and BlackBerry in Europe and the United States could not be reached for comment.
QNX was acquired by BlackBerry (at the time named Research In Motion) in April 2010 for C$200 million. The company provides in car solutions for companies including BMW, Chrysler, Porsche and Audi, among others.
The news is the latest welcome development for BlackBerry, which endured a torrid 2013. The company reported third quarter losses of US$4.4 billion, compared with $965bn in the second quarter. Revenues fell to $1.2bn in the quarter, down from $1.6bn in the second quarter, while the number of handsets sold halved to 1.9 million.
The Canadian company got a vote of confidence from the United States government last month, with the announcement of a contract to supply 80,000 handsets to the defence department.
BlackBerry shares also rose last week in response to Facebook's acquisition of the messaging service WhatsApp for $19bn.
The high valuation for the instant messaging company raised the profile of BlackBerry Messaging, identified by John Chen, who was appointed chief executive in November, as a central pillar of the company’s future growth.
BlackBerry’s shares are up 23 per cent for the year, ending last week at $9.14 each.
jeverington@thenational.ae
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