This just in: QNX announced this morning that its technology has been licensed for more than 17 million in-vehicle systems — an increase of 130 percent since 2008.

More than 200 vehicle models now ship with QNX-based infotainment and telematics systems. Moreover, the QNX CAR application platform now has 60+ participants, including 17 automotive OEMs and 26 automotive suppliers...

"So you want to submit your wireless device to our awards program. Can we see it?"

"Well, actually, I don't have it on me."

"Oh, that's too bad."

"Not really."

"What do you mean, not really?"

"Because I drove here in it."

The LTE Connected Car demonstrates how a combination of QNX technology and 4G mobile networks is poised to transform the driving experience -- a combination that will, in effect, redefine the "mobile" in automobile.

I've discussed the LTE Connected Car many times in this blog, so I won't blabber about it today. I will say, however, that the CTIA emerging technology awards program has just shortlisted the LTE Connected Car in two award categories. In fact, you can even vote for the car should the fancy take you...

If you've been following this blog series on the history of QNX, you'll know that I'm still making my way through the 1980s. So I hope you don't mind if I temporarily leap ahead 20 years; I was going to post this story when we got to 2004, but something happened last week that made me change my mind.

Confused yet? Well, brace yourself. Because this story really begins in 1998...

Is it just me, or do people need to feel terrified of something? A couple of years ago, it was BPA in plastic bottles. Today, it's software and microelectronics in cars.

If recent headlines are anything to go by, in-car microelectronics are wreaking havoc on our highways...