BlackBerry lost the phone war. Now it's betting on cars and robots (www.cnbc.com)

BlackBerry, once a leading smartphone manufacturer, is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts focus from consumer electronics to critical software for the automotive and robotics sectors. The company's share price has doubled this year, attributed to its emphasis on secure communications and the QNX operating system, which powers safety-critical features in vehicles—now embedded in over 275 million cars. CEO John Giamatteo highlighted BlackBerry’s commitment to innovation, security, and trust, as it navigates this new landscape focused on AI advancements. Giamatteo described the potential of QNX in the realm of physical AI, particularly in robotics for industrial and medical applications. He noted that robotics has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments within the QNX portfolio, helping BlackBerry secure a backlog of orders valued at $950 million, including contributions from the robotics sector. This pivot away from consumer devices not only capitalizes on the rising demand for automated technology but also underscores BlackBerry's adaptability and vision in an evolving market, signaling a promising future for the company in AI-driven industries.