Google announced the arrival of Android Auto at Google I/O in June, a way for automotive companies to add Android software into the car and utilize the Android ecosystem. Next year, Android Auto may become more self-reliant, removing the need for a smartphone pairing. Currently, Android Auto users need to pair a smartphone to the system, to make it work.

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Having the paired smartphone as a necessity removes a good portion of the U.S. market, who own an iPhone or non-supported brand, from purchasing the Android Auto car.

Google wants to be an active competitor in the automotive market, considering its investments in self-driving technology for its own car and the various investments in car technology over the past five years.

However, it also wants to be an active competitor against Apple, which launched CarPlay this year. The two services both offer new software features for car drivers, plugging into the smartphone.

The new operating system will be named Android M, according to internal sources speaking to Reuters.

Google is not only planning to ditch the smartphone pairing, but make Android M a much more dedicated operating system. The update should allow Google to tap into fuel gauge, sensors and cameras on the car, offering different services for the driver.

Software in the car could be a huge step forward from the current built-in radio and LED numbers, available in most modern cars. Tesla Motors has added a large 18-inch tablet screen to the Model S, offering apps fit for the driver.

A variety of automotive companies announced they would support Android Auto, known as the Open Automotive Alliance. Google wants to work with car manufacturers to bring open standards to hardware and software development of cars.

It is unclear when in 2015 Android M will launch, but the most likely time will be Google I/O in June, where Google normally shows first previews of software updates.

TagsAndroid Auto, car software