According to Reuters, Google is preparing to put a full-version of Android in the car which wouldn't require the user to plug in their smartphone. Google's current automotive initiative, Android Auto, acts as an extension of the smartphone to provide easy access to functions in a driver-friendly HUD which reduces potential distractions.

This is limited as not only does it require the driver to own a smartphone, but apps are mirrored on the display rather than running native. Apps for Android Auto must fit into strict guidelines - as we reported on DeveloperTech - and must be adapted for use due to legal reasons. A "full" version of Android running in the car would enable the vast amount of apps available in Google's Play Store to be accessed by the driver when the vehicle is not in motion.

Google is expected to put Android Auto straight into cars when the next major version of its operating system, 'Android M', is released in a year or so. "It provides a much stronger foothold for Google to really be part of the vehicle rather than being an add-on," said Thilo Koslowski from research firm Gartner in Reuters report.

Putting a full-version of Android in the car would give Google an advantage over Apple whose current 'CarPlay' system plans remain to be an extension of their iPhone devices. Google's OS being built-in could also allow it to access data from the car for use in applications created for Android Auto, and to boost the company's "Google Now" assistive capabilities.

A full-version of Android in the car which wouldn't require the user to plug in their smartphone.

Some of the first compatible cars with Android Auto and CarPlay are expected to be on-display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month. Both Apple and Google have signed agreements with most of the major car manufacturers around the world including Hyundai, General Motors, and Nissan.

Hyundai has announced it will be ditching the CD player and onboard navigation system in its entry-level cars to utilise the driver's existing smartphone for similar functions. In the company's more-premium models, support has been added for Android Auto, CarPlay, and Hyundai's own "Blue Link" system which can remotely lock/unlock the car, as well as start it.

Do you think Google should put full Android in the car? Let us know in the comments.