Press Release, 5 February 2026
BlackBerry’s QNX division and automotive software specialist HaleyTek have teamed up to bring a fully software-defined audio (SDA) system to the upcoming Volvo EX60 electric SUV, marking a major step forward in how in-car sound is processed and delivered. This collaboration supports Volvo Cars’ Superset tech stack strategy, which focuses on shifting vehicle functions from hardware-centric designs to flexible, software-driven architectures starting with the EX60’s SPA3 infotainment platform.
Unlike traditional audio systems that rely on dedicated digital signal processors (DSPs) in amplifiers, the new SDA approach centralizes all audio processing on a powerful central SoC. This means media playback, alerts, voice interactions, noise control and branded sound systems can be unified and updated via software — opening the door to richer user experiences and faster feature rollouts long after the vehicle leaves the showroom.
By decoupling software from specific hardware components using QNX Sound and the OASIS VirtIO Sound open standard, Volvo can introduce more flexible, scalable audio capabilities that evolve with customer needs. The EX60 becomes the first production vehicle to leverage this fully centralized SDA architecture, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to software-defined vehicles and long-term innovation.
Beyond offering improved flexibility, this architecture can also help reduce costs and complexity for manufacturers. Independent analysis suggests shifting to software-centric audio could save automakers $22–$98 per vehicle compared with legacy hardware-oriented systems savings that can be reinvested into other areas of vehicle technology.
With rapid advancements in electric and connected vehicles, software-defined systems like this represent a broader industry shift toward vehicles that continue to improve through updates and new features delivered long after initial purchase.
Compiled using AI
