Report: Google building new Android OS for use in cars, with no smartphone required

A Google self-driving vehicle is parked at the Computer History Museum after a presentation in Mountain View, California May 13, 2014. Photo: Reuters


A Google self-driving vehicle is parked at the Computer History Museum after a presentation in Mountain View, California May 13, 2014.
Photo: Reuters

Reuters reports that Google is developing a version of Android "that would be built directly into cars" to allow drivers to use the Internet without having to use a smartphone as an intermediary device.

The move is a major step up from Google's current Android Auto software, which comes with the latest version of its smartphone operating system and requires a phone to be plugged into a compatible car with a built-in screen to access streaming music, maps and other apps. The first such vehicles will debut in 2015.

Google, however, has never provided details or a timeframe for its long-term plan to put Android Auto directly into cars. The company now plans to do so when it rolls out the next version of its operating system, dubbed Android M, expected in a year or so, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

"Google aiming to go straight into car with next Android – sources"