#Canada #Waterloo #Volvo Cars #QNX #HaleyTek

Exciting Collaboration: QNX and HaleyTek Team Up with Volvo Cars for the EX60

On February 3, 2026, in Waterloo, Canada, BlackBerry Limited’s division, QNX, announced an exciting partnership with HaleyTek to provide a Software-Defined Audio (SDA) architecture for Volvo Cars' upcoming electric SUV, the EX60. This innovative initiative sets a new standard for audio technology in software-defined vehicles (SDVs), integrating both hardware and software to establish a scalable and future-ready platform that aligns with Volvo's 'Superset Tech Stack Strategy'.

Audio Evolution in Volvo's New SPA3 Platform

The EX60 will debut Volvo’s new infotainment platform, SPA3, which offers a variety of audio system options from several renowned audio brands. Unlike traditional automotive audio systems that rely on dedicated digital signal processors (DSP) within amplifiers for sound processing, the SDA architecture consolidates audio processing on a powerful system-on-chip (SoC).

This transformation allows automakers to:

• - Flexibly enhance audio functionalities
• - Quickly deploy new features
• - Establish a foundation for continuous software innovation.

Martin Kristensson's Vision

Martin Kristensson, Volvo Cars' SDV Senior VP, highlighted the core of the Superset Tech Stack Strategy: "Our approach aims to create a foundation optimally designed for continuous evolution. Through collaboration with QNX and HaleyTek, we’ve established a centralized audio architecture for the EX60 that enables flexibility and long-term innovation. This strategy ensures that we can continue to evolve the premium experience for our customers even post-delivery."

World’s First Production Vehicle to Implement Fully Centralized SDA

The EX60 is set to become the world's first mass-produced vehicle to adopt the fully centralized SDA architecture, powered by QNX Sound. This pioneering achievement is a result of close collaboration between Volvo Cars' software subsidiary HaleyTek and QNX. By leveraging QNX Sound and the open standard OASIS VirtIO Sound, Volvo Cars clarifies its vision for further software-centric vehicle functionalities.

QNX Sound represents a digital audio platform tailored for SDVs, decoupling audio and acoustic software from the hardware and integrating all in-vehicle audio functions—such as sound processing, media playback, alerts, and noise control—into a single system. This development streamlines the design process for automakers, reduces hardware requirements, and accelerates time-to-market.

Insights from QNX's Senior VP

Grant Courville, Senior Vice President of QNX’s product strategy, stated, "It’s a privilege to collaborate with Volvo Cars and HaleyTek on the evolution of software-defined audio in the EX60. This implementation exemplifies QNX Sound's potential to support the software transition of in-vehicle functionalities. By adopting a fully centralized SDA architecture, Volvo Cars strengthens its vision for the Superset Tech Stack and builds a platform that supports continuous updates, scalability across multiple models, and future-oriented in-vehicle experiences."

Optimizing Costs and Enhancing Flexibility

Recent analysis by Munro & Associates, a consulting leader in engineering and manufacturing, indicates that transitioning from traditional hardware-centric approaches with DSPs to a centralized SoC implementation of SDA could result in cost savings of approximately $22 to $98 per vehicle, depending on the system's complexity and grade level.

HaleyTek’s Lead Architect, Erik Gustafsson, remarked, "Integrating a centralized audio architecture in the EX60 is a prime example of how software can unlock new possibilities. This approach grants Volvo Cars the flexibility for future feature enhancements while establishing scalable models across multiple programs. This is a clear signal towards the future direction of the industry; simplifying complexity and enabling ongoing innovation will define the platforms of the future."

Continuing Support for Auto Manufacturers

As the complexity of SDVs increases, QNX continues to support auto manufacturers in adapting to changes, accelerating innovation, and delivering safer, smarter vehicles. The foundation software provided by QNX supports various automotive applications, from digital cockpits and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to infotainment systems and domain controllers, enabling auto manufacturers to bring innovations to market quicker and at lower costs.

For more detailed information, visit QNX.com and follow @QNX News on social media.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry provides intelligent software and services to enterprises and government agencies worldwide. With its high-performance foundational software, the company enables major auto manufacturers and industry leaders to develop innovative applications, create new revenue streams, and deploy transformative business models without compromising safety, security, and reliability. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, BlackBerry boasts an extensive track record in secure communications, delivering operational resilience through robust security portfolios that facilitate mobile device defense and critical communications in mission-critical scenarios. For additional insights, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @QNX News.

About QNX

QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), enriches experiences and expands the potential of technology-driven industries by providing a trusted foundation for software-defined enterprises to thrive. The division leads the industry in offering secure and safe operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools, backed by expert support and services in trusted embedded software. QNX technology is employed in over 275 million vehicles worldwide, representing the most critical embedded systems. It has gained trust across various industries, including automotive, medical devices, industrial control systems, robotics, commercial vehicles, and aerospace & defense. Founded in 1980, QNX has its headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. For further details, please visit qnx.com.