Android for cars

Google reportedly developing a new version of Android for cars

Google is reportedly developing a new version of Android, called Android M, that will go straight into cars.

The operating system won't require vehicles to tether to smartphones to get on the internet, according to sources who spoke with Reuters.

Unlike Google's existing in-car system, Android Auto, Android M will apparently be totally independent of other devices.

It may be the next logical step, but it's reportedly also a major advancement.

 Android Auto

Google Maps has been the unquestionable king of navigation for almost a decade, yet it's never had a central role in cars. Garmin, TomTom and others have occupied that co-pilot seat.

Android Auto is about to give Google smartphone users their first chance to unsuction those clumsy GPS units from the windshield and skip car maker's half-baked navigation upgrades.

Yes, in-dash Google Maps' estimated time of arrival is 2015, and it goes beyond navigation. Apps for making calls, playing music and sending messages are part of this digital journey.

All of the basics are here, and they're all conveniently out of reach. Android Auto gives you safe access to everything that's important on your phone and nothing more.

Here's what we found in our test drive of Android Auto that, while in an unfinished state next to Apple CarPlay, was already the better-looking experience of the two.

What does Android Auto look like?

Android Auto has a slick and informative interface that's inspired by existing software like Google Now and Android Lollipop.

It has that same card-based menu that's part of Google's unified design language, and it's laid out on a home screen with all of the predictions you'd expect.

Without even having to think about it, Android Auto suggests directions on where you might want to go. This is based on recent searches or your daily routine.

The weather, missed call or text alerts and in-progress music also appear within this very glanceable menu - it looks a lot like the new Android Lollipop lockscreen with embedded notifications.

Flanking these notifications are the always-present text and icons for the time, your phone's battery life cellular signal strength and microphone for voice searches.