Rightware is a Finnish software development company that provides automotive graphics software tools and services. These include services in gaming, graphics, and UI development, with a particular focus on the automotive industry. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Rightware has offices in Detroit, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Brighton, and Munich.

Rightware
Company typePrivate
IndustryInformation Technology
Founded2009
Headquarters,
Finland
Area served
Global
Key people
Tero Koivu, Co-Founder & Co-CEO; Qiang Qian, Co-CEO
BrandsKanzi UI framework, Kanzi Services
Number of employees
140-150
Websiterightware.com

Rightware delivers fully integrated HMI solutions, engineering support, and design services worldwide. Kanzi One is the market-leading automotive UI tool, trusted by over 60 automotive brands across the globe.

History

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Rightware was founded in December 2009 after Futuremark spins off its Mobile & Embedded Benchmark unit.

In January 2011, Rightware released their UI design software called Kanzi, and demonstrated a stereoscopic 3D home screen for Android made by Kanzi at Mobile World Congress 2011.[1]

In 2013, it was announced that Audi was using Rightware's Kanzi software for developing digital user interfaces for Audi cars.[2][3] The first commercial vehicle (Audi A3) with Kanzi technology was shipped in June 2012.[4] At CES 2014, Audi revealed its fully digital Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, created using Rightware Kanzi.

In 2013, Rightware raised another $5.2 million in venture capital funding.[5]

On May 7, 2015,[6] Rightware divested its graphics benchmarking business to Basemark, a newly formed Helsinki-based company, in a management buyout deal.

In 2015, Rightware announced that it was collaborating with Nissan.[7]

In 2016, Rightware announced the founding members[8] of its Kanzi Partner Program.

In 2016, Rightware stated that over 15 car manufacturers were using its Kanzi software for creating user interfaces.[9]

In 2017, Kanzi powers 35 automotive brands. Rightware becomes a subsidiary of ThunderSoft.

During 2021, Rightware announced the release of Kanzi One, an android compatible all in one HMI tool for automobile's cockpits.[10]

Products

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Kanzi One

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Kanzi One is a commercial package including the Kanzi UI framework and a variety of feature packs for further enhancing the HMI in relation to connectivity, mapping, visual effects, 3D vision, and preview capabilities.

Kanzi framework:

  • Kanzi Studio: the core HMI development tool, used by designers and embedded engineers to create and customize user interfaces that run on embedded hardware.
  • Kanzi Engine: real-time graphics engine, combining physically based rendering with an automotive-grade runtime.

Feature packs:

  • Kanzi Connect
  • Kanzi Maps
  • Kanzi Particles
  • Kanzi Shapes
  • Kanzi Stereoscopy
  • Kanzi VR

Services

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Rightware also provides worldwide engineering and design service that boast an unmatched track record of successful production projects.

The Kanzi Services team implements full-stack solutions ranging from concept design to the end product. The Kanzi experts support global customers in all stages of production - from user experience design to platform choice and performance optimization.

References

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  1. ^ Kyle Thibaut (12 February 2011). "Exclusive: Images And Video Of Rightware's Stereoscopic 3D Android Interface | TechCrunch". Crunchgear.com. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  2. ^ Takahashi, Dean (30 January 2013). "Rightware finds a home for its Kanzi user interface in car computers and mobile devices". VentureBeat. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  3. ^ Nguyen, Hubert (29 January 2013). "Rightware's Kanzi Interface May Soon Power Your Car Dashboard". Übergizmo. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  4. ^ "User controls and display in the new Audi A3". Audi. 8 March 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  5. ^ Lomas, Natasha (14 May 2013). "Finnish Startup Rightware Closes $5.2M Series B To Drive Global Growth Of Its Embedded UI Creation Tool Business". TechCrunch. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  6. ^ Rightware sold its benchmark businessChester, Brandon (8 May 2015). "Rightware's BenchMark Division Acquired By Benchmark". AnandTech. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  7. ^ "Nissan uses Rightware user interface for Gripz concept car". Telematics News. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Rightware Kanzi Partner Program Announces Founding Members at CES 2016 | Rightware". www.rightware.com. 6 January 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  9. ^ "Rightware: Finns help car industry to go digital | Tekes". www.tekes.fi. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  10. ^ "Rightware Releases Kanzi One, the First All-in-One Automotive HMI Tool for the Advanced Intelligent Cockpit". www.businesswire.com. 4 January 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2023.