QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, today announced an expanded collaboration with Haleytek to deliver a fully centralized Software-Defined Audio (SDA) architecture for Volvo Cars’ upcoming EX60 fully electric SUV. The milestone supports Volvo Cars’ Superset tech stack strategy, which aims to unify hardware and software into a scalable, future-ready vehicle platform.
The EX60 will debut Volvo Cars’ new SPA3 infotainment platform, offering branded sound systems from leading audio providers. Unlike traditional architectures that rely on dedicated digital signal processors within amplifiers, the SDA approach centralizes audio processing on a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC), enabling greater flexibility, faster feature deployment, and continuous software-driven innovation.
“Our Superset tech stack strategy is about building a foundation that is optimized for continuous improvement,” said Martin Kristensson, Head of Software Defined Vehicle at Volvo Cars. “Through collaboration with QNX and Haleytek, we’ve delivered a centralized audio architecture in the EX60 that enables flexibility and long-term innovation. This approach ensures we can evolve capabilities over time, providing customers with a premium experience that keeps getting better long after they drive off the lot.”
The EX60 will be the world’s first vehicle to implement a fully centralized SDA architecture using QNX Sound. Developed through close collaboration between QNX and Haleytek, Volvo Cars’ software subsidiary, the solution leverages QNX Sound and the OASIS VirtIO Sound open standard, reinforcing Volvo Cars’ commitment to shifting more in-vehicle functions to software.
QNX Sound decouples audio software from hardware, unifying voice processing, media playback, alerts, and noise control into a single system. This approach streamlines development, reduces hardware complexity, and accelerates time to market. According to Munro & Associates, migrating from legacy DSP-based amplifiers to centralized SDA can potentially save automakers between $22 and $98 per vehicle, depending on system complexity.
“We are proud to collaborate with Volvo Cars and Haleytek on advancing software-defined audio in the EX60,” said Grant Courville, SVP, Products and Strategy at QNX. “This implementation demonstrates how QNX Sound enables automakers to migrate more vehicle functions to software. By embracing a fully centralized Software Defined Audio architecture in the EX60, Volvo Cars is reinforcing its Superset Tech Stack vision – creating a platform that supports continuous updates, scalability across models, and a future-ready approach to in-vehicle experiences.”
Munro & Associates, an engineering and manufacturing consulting firm recently confirmed that migrating from a legacy hardware-based approach utilizing DSP-enabled “smart” amplifiers, to SDA on a centralized SoC can potentially save automakers $22-$98 per vehicle, depending on system complexity and trim level.
“Delivering a centralized audio architecture in the EX60 reflects how software can unlock new possibilities,” said Erik Gustafsson, Lead Architect at Haleytek. “This approach gives Volvo Cars flexibility for future enhancements and demonstrates a model that can scale across programs. It’s a clear signal of where the industry is headed – toward platforms that simplify complexity and enable continuous innovation and it’s only a matter of time before other automakers follow in the wake of Volvo’s leadership.”
As software-defined vehicle complexity grows, QNX continues to support automakers with foundational software that enables safer, smarter, and more cost-effective vehicle innovation across infotainment, digital cockpits, ADAS, and domain controllers.