BlackBerry's QNX Launches Hypervisor 8.0 for Embedded Software Development

BlackBerry Unveils QNX Hypervisor 8.0 for Embedded Software

In a significant advancement in the realm of embedded software development, BlackBerry Limited's division, QNX, has launched its latest virtualization solution, QNX Hypervisor 8.0. Announced on May 28, 2025, in Waterloo, Canada, this new offering is designed to streamline and accelerate the development of embedded systems, setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability.

What is QNX Hypervisor 8.0?

QNX Hypervisor 8.0 is built on the latest version of the QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) 8.0, which provides a comprehensive suite of functionalities necessary for building and managing complex embedded software projects. It features a microkernel architecture that supports multiple operating systems including Android™, Linux®, and QNX itself, all operating on the same system-on-chip (SoC). This innovation allows for increased efficiency and isolation of critical systems, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, from automotive to IoT systems.

Driving the Future of Automotive Technology

According to Ian Riches, Vice President of Global Automotive Practice at TechInsights, it is expected that by 2030, 90% of vehicles produced will be equipped with at least one domain controller, zone controller, or high-performance central computing unit (HPC). He highlights that hypervisors, like QNX Hypervisor 8.0, which offer modular designs with fast, reliable performance, will play a crucial role in unlocking the potential of these platforms for developing Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

John Wall, QNX's Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product Engineering Services, emphasizes that software-defined architecture and digital twins are becoming central to the development of next-generation in-vehicle systems and IoT systems. The addition of virtual machine management capabilities to the QNX OS microkernel enhances both reliability and performance, facilitating faster development and reducing the build time for mixed-critical applications.

Features of QNX Hypervisor 8.0

The QNX Hypervisor 8.0 aims to provide a collaborative and user-friendly development environment. It combines the efficient, direct hardware access of a Type 1 hypervisor with the flexibility and usability of a Type 2 hypervisor. This duality is designed to enhance convenience for developers and integrators alike.

Included with QNX Hypervisor 8.0 are comprehensive developer resources such as API references and guides for developing virtual devices, along with source code samples for virtual devices. Customers can utilize these resources as models for developing their own virtual devices, including paravirtualized devices designed in compliance with the VIRTIO standard.

Adoption and Impact

QNX Hypervisor has already been adopted in millions of vehicles worldwide. As OEMs transition to Software-Defined Vehicles, the introduction of QNX Hypervisor 8.0 is poised to capitalize on the advantages of QNX SDP 8.0. This will push forward next-generation automotive technologies, delivering powerful throughput and expectations for scalability in an evolving marketplace.

QNX continues to support critical applications across various embedded industries, trusted by leading global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers such as Toyota, Honda, BMW, Bosch, Continental, and more. The company is dedicated to advancing embedded technology and ensuring high performance and seamless integration in mission-critical environments, where safety is paramount.

For more information, visit QNX.com and follow @QNXNews for updates.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry is a global leader providing intelligent software and services to enterprises and government agencies. With its high-performance foundational software, major automotive manufacturers and industrial giants can develop innovative applications, create new revenue streams, and deploy transformative business models without compromising safety, security, or reliability. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, BlackBerry boasts extensive expertise in secure communications, offering a robust portfolio with comprehensive security and numerous certifications. The company is also a pioneer in advanced cybersecurity solutions that leverage AI and machine learning.

The innovations from BlackBerry are paving the way for a future in which safety, security, and data privacy are paramount, leading advancements in endpoint security management, encryption, and embedded systems. Visit BlackBerry.com for more details and follow @QNXNews for updates.