The RIM-owned company QNX has tweaked out a 2009 Corvette which lets the BlackBerry PlayBook change the car’s internal temperature through an app. Why would you want to do that if there’s already an in-car console to handle climate control? I dunno, maybe someone in the passenger seat is a little chilly and couldn’t be bothered to say anything. The point is it’s cool, alright? The system also does all the usual other stuff too, like streaming Pandora through a paired smartphone, and showing maps and weather on the dash.
The BlackBerry PlayBook will have a distinct advantage when it comes to integrating with in-car systems like the Chevrolet Volt, BMW ConnectedDrive, and Ford Sync since they all run the same underlying QNX-based operating system. I suspect that QNX will tap their established partners (including Audi, Acura, Fiat, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, and Toyota) to pimp out PlayBook apps on their respective platforms, which could quickly turn the PlayBook into the tablet of choice for frequent drivers. I’d be really interested in knowing if now that RIM owns QNX, they’d block out Android, iOS and other competitors from integrating any further with in-car systems than simple Bluetooth audio connections.
Of course this is only a concept car, but before long, we’ll start seeing the PlayBook being able to remote control the freakin’ Batmobile. No, seriously.
[via On Q]