Google seeks an edge with Android expansion

Google’s Android software is coming to cars, televisions, and watches this year, as the internet search giant races against Apple and other tech companies to extend its business into a rapidly widening field of internet-connected devices.

Google’s free Android software runs on more than three out of every four smartphones sold globally, a valuable entry point for consumers to access its money-making online services such as web search and maps.

At its annual developers’ conference this week, the company said the first cars running Android Auto software for navigation, music and messaging will hit showrooms later this year. More than 40 auto companies had signed onto its software development alliance.